In a November 28 post on Twitter/X, Tron’s Justin Sun shared that he plans to do so buy up to 100,000 bananas from the same fruit stand that produced the iconic duct-taped banana.
The now popular fruit stand is owned and operated by Shah Alam, located in the Upper East Side of New York. Sun said these bananas will be distributed worldwide for free through Alam’s fruit stand.
The Tron founder urged everyone to bring a copy of a valid ID so they can claim their share of the fruit, while supplies last. Sun’s gesture comes after a banana from the same fruit stall that was sold for $6.2 million at auction. According to Sun, this gesture is intended to celebrate the artwork and promote crypto.
Justin Sun appreciates Alam’s art contribution
On his Twitter/X post, Sun shared his decision to buy thousands of bananas Alam’s fruit stall celebrates life and works of art. He also acknowledged Alam’s role in promoting works of art and underlined his contribution to the iconic works of art that have grossed millions.
To thank Mr. Shah Alam, I decided to buy 100,000 bananas from his stand on the Upper East Side of New York. These bananas are distributed worldwide for free through his stand. Show a valid ID to claim one banana, while supplies last. https://t.co/jbCnh0u3JI
— HE Justin Sun 🍌 (@justinsuntron) November 28, 2024
In the same post, Justin Sun mentioned that this initiative will bring art to a wider audience and shared his plan to visit the fruit stand in person so he can express his appreciation.
Sun admitted that the duct tape covered banana was common, but he now has one deep artistic and cultural impact. Last Wednesday, Alam’s fruit stall sold a banana, which was later turned into a work of art by Maurizio Cattelan.
Catellan’s artwork fetched $6.2 million, with $1 million going to the auction house to cover costs. Alam sells bananas for 35 cents each.
Just like the ‘comedian’, Justin eats his banana
The story of Catellan’s duct tape-covered banana artwork began in 2019 when he attended the Art Basel Miami Beach International Art fair. There were three editions of The Comedian, which grossed $120,000 and $130,000 respectively.
Often the artist would take out the banana and eat it after each successful auction. Then the artist would replace the banana and the “Comedian” performance would continue.
In a separate post, Sun also teased that he would be eating the banana on November 29. The crypto entrepreneur made good on this promise by eating a banana in the presence of influencers and journalists at one of Hong Kong’s best hotels. He also gave a speech, appreciating the artwork and comparing this conceptual art to crypto.
Alam’s reaction to the banana sale
In an email, Justin Sun said Alam’s response moved him. The fruit seller was happy that his role in the duct-taped artwork was appreciated. One report also talked about how Alam worked hard to run his fruit stall. It said the stand is open twelve hours a day, four days a week, and then he gets paid $12 an hour.
The report further added that Alam was saddened and shocked when he heard about the proceeds from the auction. The 74-year-old seller reportedly asked if the buyer knew it was just a regular banana. Catellan was also moved by the seller’s reaction to the work, saying that art can also touch people in different ways.
Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView