The Trifecta of Pretentiousness: Taped Bananas, Duchamp's Blank Canvas, and Other Art Purchases

When a banana is taped to a wall and sold for $120,000, the buyer takes home much more than just a banana. They purchase a piece of conceptual art, a status symbol, and perhaps most importantly, their own self-perception. The artwork by Maurizio Cattelan, titled "Comedian," sold for a hefty sum, but does the buyer truly understand the value behind the artwork or is it more about the satisfaction of being perceived as clever and sophisticated?

What the Buyer Really Takes Home

The buyer of the taped banana takes home a practically inscrutable piece of art. However, in exchange for $120,000, they satisfy themselves that they are smarter and more cultured than the average Middle Class citizen. The "joke" of the piece is not lost on the buyer; they grasp the deeper meaning of art and understand its nuances on a profound level. Additionally, they possess a signed certificate by Cattelan, enhancing the perceived value. The buyer is convinced that they will be able to resell this piece for twice as much after the artist's death, making the initial investment seem even more worthwhile.

Similar Artworks: Duchamp's Fountain and Beyond

It's worth noting that such "high-value" art pieces are not isolated incidents. Take, for instance, Marcel Duchamp's famously controversial "Fountain," a signed urinal, which sold for $1,000,000 at auction. The buyer here obtained not just a piece of art but the copyright and the ability to produce and distribute it. The same can be said for Jeff Koons' balloon dog, which, when priced at $58,435,000, took the art world by storm. Yet, the real value often lies in the certificate of authenticity (COA), which functions much like a property title. This document, frequently signed by the artist and sometimes the gallery, confers ownership and the attendant legal rights, thereby significantly increasing the perceived value.

Professional Insight: A PhD and a Taped Banana

Reflecting on this phenomenon, one might wonder about the discrepancy between the value of art and one's professional earnings. A doctorate in neuroscience from a top university, specializing in cancer research, brings in a fraction of the income that a taped banana can fetch. This stark disparity raises questions about the intrinsic value of art and its market-driven valuation. In a broader context, it underscores the complex and often subjective nature of art investment.

Conclusion: The Value of Creativity and Perception

The example of the taped banana, Duchamp's "Fountain," and other similar artworks highlight the intricate relationship between creativity, perception, and market value. What the buyer purchases is not only a physical object but also a piece of social and cultural status. The idea, the certificate of authenticity, and the underlying joke are all integral parts of the artwork's value. The true value of such pieces, however, lies more in the buyer's perception and interpretation rather than the object itself.