Justin Sun, Founder of TRON, announced in a post on November 28 that he will buy 100,000 bananas from Mr. Shah Alam’s fruit stand in New York’s Upper East Side. Sun also revealed that the bananas will be distributed free worldwide through Alam’s stand. The crypto entrepreneur urged people to show a valid ID to claim one banana while supplies last.
The Chinese entrepreneur’s decision comes after a banana from Alam’s fruit stand became part of Italian artist Maurizio Cattalen’s work and was auctioned for $6.2 million. Sun also highlighted that his gestures will help to share the meaning of his art story with more people.
Justin Sun expresses his gratitude for Alam’s contribution to his art
The TRON founder stated that his decision to buy 100,000 bananas from Alam is a unique event and a celebration of the beautiful connection between everyday life and art. Sun acknowledged that Mr. Shah Alam inadvertently became a crucial contributor to a groundbreaking piece of art as the owner of a fruit stand in Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
“Mr. Alam’s contribution to this extraordinary artwork is indispensable, highlighting the boundless possibilities and value hidden in everyday life. I hope this initiative will bring us to a broader audience and, one day, I look forward to visiting his fruit stand in person to express my gratitude again.”
~ Justin Sun, TRON Founder
Justin Sun admitted that the banana sold at the auction was far from being an ordinary piece of fruit, but it took on profound cultural and artistic significance. Mr. Alam sold a banana last Wednesday, which was later auctioned as part of Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan’s comedic work for $5.2 million plus more than $1 million in auction-house fees. The fruit vendor sells dozens of bananas daily at 35 cents a piece outside Sotheby’s auction house.
Justin Sun plans to eat the banana as “Comedian” continues its existence
Cattelan’s banana art journey began in 2019 when he first exhibited the work at the Art Basel Miami Beach International Art Fair. Three editions of the Comedian sold for $120,000 and $150,000. After each sale, a performance artist simply pulled the banana and ate it. The banana gets replaced, and the “Comedian” continues to exist.
The Chinese entrepreneur revealed in a post that the banana will be eaten on November 29 at 2:00 PM GMT+8. Sun added that he would personally eat the banana as part of the unique artistic experience that honors its place in both art history and popular culture.
Sun disclosed via email that Mr. Alam’s response moved him and that his role in the artwork was not taken lightly. The report also mentioned that Alam’s fruit stand shifts are 12 hours long, four days a week, and the owner pays him $12 each hour. The report also revealed that the 74-year-old fruit seller was shocked and distressed, wondering if whoever bought the art knew what a banana was. Mr. Cattelan said via email to the firm that he was moved by Alam’s reaction to his artwork and argued that it underscored how art can resonate in unexpected and profound ways.
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