Cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun fulfilled a unique promise by eating a banana from a $6.2 million artwork at a press event in Hong Kong. The artwork, Comedian, created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, features a banana duct-taped to a wall. Sun, 34, purchased the piece at a Sotheby’s auction last week, outbidding six other bidders.

At the Peninsula hotel, Sun bit into the banana, declaring it “really quite good.” He described the artwork as “iconic” and drew comparisons between conceptual art and blockchain technology, likening the intangible nature of both.

Sun revealed that he had been unsure about bidding for the piece, even wondering about its shelf life. After winning the auction, he decided to make the banana-eating event part of the artwork’s history.

This work, which sparked debate at its 2019 debut, questions what defines art. Sun’s purchase includes the rights to recreate the piece with any banana, although it remains unclear if he will do so.

The banana itself was reportedly bought for under a dollar from a fruit stall in New York, where the vendor, Shah Alam, was overwhelmed upon learning of its auction price.

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A new mural on the Sliema coastline has drawn the attention of many, offering a poignant message about the suffering of Palestinian children. The work, created by local artist James Micallef Grimaud—known for his murals at the 2B Gallery in St. Julian’s and the Giraffe Crane at Valletta’s dry docks—depicts a powerful and unsettling scene.

The mural shows a mountain of teddy bears, each marked with bullet holes and bleeding, with two figures standing beside the Palestinian flag. The backdrop reveals Middle Eastern buildings engulfed in flames, capturing the devastation of war.

In a post on Facebook, Micallef Grimaud shared the message behind the piece, stating, “The mural portrays the suffering of helpless Palestinian children, victims of war and the loss of their innocence.” The blood from the teddy bears seems to drip down onto the rocks below, amplifying the sadness and urgency of the artist’s message.

This thought-provoking mural is a stark reminder of the deep impact conflict has on children, stripping away their innocence and leaving them to face the horrors of war.

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The Ta’ Qali National Park has embraced the Christmas spirit, with festive lights and decorations transforming its garden into a magical winter wonderland.

Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works Omar Farrugia shared photos of the new decorations, writing: ‘We look forward of greeting Maltese and Gozitan families in this beautiful atmosphere for the festive season.’

Photos shared by Jason Micallef, head of the Ta’ Qali National Park Division, showcase the garden’s trees beautifully lit up, enhancing the park’s festive atmosphere.

Micallef expressed his delight at the transformation, stating, “The effect and atmosphere we created at the garden is truly magical.”

The holiday decorations at Ta’ Qali are now attracting visitors looking to enjoy the seasonal charm, with the park’s serene surroundings adding to the festive mood. The display is part of an ongoing effort to bring the joy and warmth of Christmas to the local community, making Ta’ Qali a must-visit destination this holiday season.

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