Maurizio Cattelan’s Comedian—the controversial piece of art in the form of a banana duct-taped to a wall—sold for $6.2 million last week and brands like Cheetos are joining the conversation surrounding it with stunts like Mischief by Chester.
On eBay, Frito Lay’s Cheetos brand listed a single Cheetos Puff taped to a wall. Mischief by Chester includes the art piece, as well as the equivalent amount of Cheetos as the final bid. As it stands, there are 49 bids on Mischief by Chester, with $1,026 USD leading with three days to go on the auction.
Although the average person is excluded from being able to bid millions on works of art, engaging with brands' spoofs on social media costs nothing.
Snack Artwork Auctions
Inspired by a Viral Art Sale, Cheetos Listed Mischief by Chester on eBay
Trend Themes
1. Viral Marketing Stunts - Brands are leveraging viral art sales to create buzz and engagement through unique and playful marketing stunts.
2. Humor-inspired Art Integration - Increasingly, companies are integrating humor into their marketing by creating shareable, whimsical art pieces that resonate with wider audiences.
3. Pop Culture Commerce - The intersection of pop culture phenomena and commercial platforms is encouraging brands to create limited-edition collectibles that appeal to modern consumers.
Industry Implications
1. Snack Food Industry - There is a growing trend in the snack industry for marketing campaigns that blend product promotion with popular culture and artistic expression.
2. Art and Collectibles Market - The market is witnessing an influx of unconventional art forms promoted by mainstream brands, which is redefining the boundaries of art and commerce.
3. E-commerce Platforms - E-commerce platforms are becoming stage for unique, one-off auctions and marketing spectacles that attract significant consumer attention and bidding activity.