Millions of art: Visitors eat the banana! Drama in the Metz center!

Millions of art: Visitors eat the banana! Drama in the Metz center!

In the Center Pompidou Metz, a work of art by the Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan ensures excitement: The banana, which will be presented on May 8, 2025 as part of the “Dimanche Sans Fin” exhibition, has a value of a total of $ six million. The peculiarity of this installation entitled "Comedian" is that the banana is fixed on the wall with adhesive tape and has already been consumed several times. A Dutch visitor had eaten the fruity icon of contemporary art again to find out how such expensive banana tastes. However, no complaint was filed, which awakens memories of past incidents in which the work of art was also consumed.

DAVID DATUNA, an artist who consumed the Banane in 2019 at Art Basel in Miami, was repeatedly cited in the media, and a South Korean student also did this in 2023 during an exhibition in Seoul, which again fueled the debate about the value and meaning of art. Cattelan reacted calmly to the latest event and regretted that the visitor mistakenly confused the banana with the entire work of art. The artist made it clear that only the fruit and not the entire installation was consumed.

art as an investment and cultural discussion

The debate about the value of art and its importance for society is particularly interested in the contemporary art scene. Platforms such as Zeitenoessische-kunst.com offer information about art collectors, gallery owners and the art market in general, including tips for investing in art objects. These aspects are particularly relevant if you look at the value of a work of art such as "comedian". Cattelan's banana could serve as a prime example of how the perception of art is discussed in our modern world.

The connection between art and economy is taking more and more space, while the trends and discourses constantly develop. Against this background, the creation of artists, as used by artists worldwide, is not only a creative process, but also part of the economic events. This shows in the current art market that works by artists such as Janet Echelman and Simon Scheuerle are not only considered creative forms of expression, but also as investments.

The installation "Comedian" remains exhibited in the Center Pompidou Metz until February 2, 2027. Both the banana and the adhesive tape are currently being replaced regularly to maintain the presentation. These regular renovations reflect the pulsating dialogue between art and its reception in public, which further heats up interest in contemporary works of art.