Tsuktiben Jamir
In an unusual display of artistic rebellion, a daring visitor at Seoul’s renowned Leeum Museum of Art took the concept of ‘interactive art’ to a new level. The incident occurred at Maurizio Cattelan’s thought-provoking “WE” exhibition featuring his infamous work, “Comedian.” This installation consisted of a ripe banana meticulously duct-taped to a wall, provoking many reactions from visitors.
Noh Huyn-soo, a South Korean student whose name now reverberates across art history, was among the numerous art enthusiasts invited to the gallery as part of the museum’s continued commitment to offering free access to the general public. Noh, who graduated from Seoul National University, has a reputation for pushing limits and engaging in unusual adventures.
The artwork “Comedian” became famous after being sold for $120,000 at Art Basel Miami in 2019. The piece was included with an authenticity certificate that detailed the piece’s proper display with detailed pictures and instructions. However, it is no secret that the banana is frequently changed every few days to maintain its “freshness.”
Courtesy: The Guardian.
As he was caught in a crowd of onlookers, Noh saw that he was pulled to the strange presence of the “Comedian.” Interestingly, while the proximity to specific artworks triggered alarms and apprehensive guards, the banana seemed free from such scrutiny. Taking advantage of the chance, Noh boldly approached the painting, eventually removing the tape and breaking the rules by eating the banana. At around 12:30 pm on 27th April 2023, Noh indulged in the unexpected feast, savouring the taste and leaving onlookers astonished by the unprecedented act. Dispelling any notion of a deliberate act of rebellion, Noh revealed his impulsive nature, shaped by his insatiable curiosity and a penchant for unconventional experiences. In his mind, the banana’s placement was an invitation to partake in an unpredictable narrative. The act was an artistic response, blurring the line between vandalism and publicity.
As Noh’s banana-eating escapade unfolded, intrigued visitors observed in awe, capturing the moment through various recordings. Amidst the silence, punctuated only by an occasional “excuse me,” Noh calmly devoured the fruit, relishing its freshness and embarking on an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.
Following this unnatural act, Noh playfully repurposed the banana peel, meticulously reattaching it to the wall, cementing his mark on the exhibit. The guards approached Noh after being first startled, their faces displaying a mixture of confusion and embarrassment. Conversations ensued, blurring the lines between conventional artistic appreciation and Noh’s unique interpretation of art. Noh’s audacious act caught the attention of the global media, propelling him into the spotlight. His extraordinary act has drawn a broad range of reactions, with some condemning it as vandalism and others hailing it as an avant-garde performance piece. Whether Noh’s conduct was a protest, a critique of power, or merely an aesthetic curiosity is still hotly debated.
Looking ahead, Noh’s graduation from Seoul National University looms. Equipped with a deep appreciation for aesthetics and a passion for religious studies, Noh aspires to create his art, exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and the profound spiritual elements of the East. He imagines a future when AI artworks progressively permeate every part of human life, inspiring intrigue and dread while using philosophical concepts as his compass.
Maurizio Cattelan commented on the banana controversy at the Leeum Museum of Art, mirroring his carefree attitude towards art. Noh’s unorthodox deed was brought to his attention, and the artist merely responded, “No problem at all,” accepting the unpredictable nature of creative interpretation.
Contributor
