• Solar stated the banana would “inspire more thought and discussion in the future”
• Bidding began at $800,000 earlier than leaping into the thousands and thousands
• Solar’s successful bid was $5.2 million plus $1 million in Sotheby charges

Justin Solar has paid $6.24 million for a banana taped to a wall at a New York public sale, stating that it “represents a cultural phenomenon that bridges the worlds of art, memes, and the cryptocurrency community.”

Taking to X, Solar, the founding father of Tron, stated: “I believe this piece will inspire more thought and discussion in the future and will become a part of history. I am honored to be the proud owner of the banana and look forward to it sparking further inspiration and impact for art enthusiasts around the world.”

Solar stated he’ll “personally eat the banana” within the subsequent few days.

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve purchased the banana🍌 !!! @SpaceX @Sothebys I’m Justin Solar, and I’m excited to share that I’ve efficiently acquired Maurizio Cattelan’s iconic work, Comic for $6.2 million. This isn’t simply an paintings; it represents a cultural phenomenon… pic.twitter.com/lAj1RE6y0C

— H.E. Justin Solar 🍌 (@justinsuntron) November 21, 2024

The paintings is Maurizio Catteland’s “Comedian” and is only a banana caught to a wall with duct tape.

Sotheby’s, who hosted the public sale, began bidding at $800,000 earlier than leaping into the thousands and thousands. At one stage the auctioneer stated: “These are words I thought I’d never say, $5 million for a banana,” shortly adopted by “don’t let it slip away.”

Throughout over six minutes of bidding, the Deputy Chairman of Sotheby’s and Chairman of Sotheby’s China, Jen Hua, positioned the successful bid of $5.2 million plus $1 million in Sotheby charges. Earlier than the public sale, Sotheby’s estimated it could promote between $1 million and $1.5 million.

Solar will obtain a certificates of authenticity signed by the artist.

The sale of the banana comes because the crypto market is experiencing a surge in worth. Yesterday, Bitcoin broke the $94,000 barrier, persevering with its upward trajectory to over $97,800 within the early hours of this morning.