Man eats $120,000 banana in front of stunned art lovers

A New York-based performance artist has caused chaos with his latest stunt by eating a banana after it had sold for around $120,000. David Datuna, who has a history of provocative pieces, described the fruit as “delicious” as pandemonium raged around him. 

The piece at the centre of the controversy – “Comedian” by Maurizio Cattelan, featured a fresh banana duct-taped to a wall. It had been exhibited at the world-famous Art Basel exhibition at Miami Beach before Datuna decided to eat it. 

Understandably, the destruction/consumption of the pricey fruit caused quite a stir at the exhibition. “You’re not supposed to touch the art!” yelled one stunned onlooker as Datuna began unpeeling and munching. Clearly, their words of warning failed to make much of an impact. 

Although police were contacted in the aftermath of the incident, Datuna was able to escape before officials arrived. In an extensive interview with the New York Post, the artist revealed that the “performance name is Hungry Artist,” before going on to explain:

“It’s not about the piece. It’s an art performance. Maurizio Cattelan, I love him. One artist eats another artist. It’s fun.”

“I can eat the banana and the concept of the banana — because I am an artist and not a regular human.”

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The piece at the centre of the storm has been dubbed an “Instagram darling” after fans spent hours queuing for their chance to have a photo taken with the piece. It was purchased for the astronomical figure by a French collector who presumably had a penchant for fruit salad.

However, despite the undoubted disruption caused by the stunt, it has also been revealed that the gallery has decided against taking any further legal action. Spokesperson Lucien Terras rather hysterically claimed, “He did not destroy the work! The banana is the idea.” Who knew duct-taping fruit to a wall could cause such a curfuffle?

This article originally appeared on VT.co