Maurizio Cattelan on $6.2mn Banana, Annoying People, and Feeling Like a Dinosaur

Maurizio Cattelan, the artist behind the infamous $6.2 million banana artwork 'Comedian' (2019), has given a rare interview to the Financial Times. In the conversation, he reflects on his practice as a 'comic existentialist,' his pleasure in annoying people, and a sense of being a 'dinosaur' in the contemporary art world. Cattelan discusses the thrill of creation and the public frenzy his work incites. The banana, duct-taped to a wall, became a global sensation and was later eaten by a performance artist. Cattelan's work often provokes strong reactions, and he expresses sympathy for those driven crazy by it. The interview offers insight into his motivations and his place in the art ecosystem.