Popeyes Chicken sandwich on sale at Art Basel for over $120K
There’s no doubt that Popeye’s chicken sandwich has dominated social media in 2019, leading to long lines, memes, and at some points even violence. Now the viral sensation has somehow made its way to Art Basel.
According to Fox Business, last week, a piece called “The Sandwich” was exhibited at San Paul Gallery during Art Basel and was listed for a whopping $120,000, plus the $3.99 cost of the chicken sandwich.
READ MORE: Teen who went viral for Popeyes voter registration idea now has bigger plans
“Don’t eat the art. Even though it’s delicious. Go see our masterpiece “The Sandwich” at @Sanpaulgallery for #ArtBasel,” read the caption accompanying a picture of the duct-taped sandwich on social media. “Toasted brioche bun, two pickles, fried chicken, mayo, duct tape on canvas. $120,003.99”
Thrillist reports that proceeds from the sale would go toward the Popeyes Foundation, which aims to, “strengthen our communities with food and support in times of need.”
READ MORE:
Don’t eat the art. Even though it’s delicious. Go see our masterpiece “The Sandwich” at @Sanpaulgallery for #ArtBasel.
Toasted brioche bun, two pickles, fried chicken, mayo, duct tape on canvas. $120,003.99 🤩 🎨 pic.twitter.com/xzpc7Jttsk
— Popeyes (@Popeyes) December 7, 2019
READ MORE: WATCH | Black Travel Diary: Is this the best-fried fish spot in the Caribbean?
While it has not been reported if anyone was bold enough to buy the piece, the “mixed-media” artwork is believed to be a homage to satirical artist Mauricio Cattelan’s “Comedian,” with a starting price of around $120,000 as well.
“I did this because it’s about art, art about fun. He makes fun of us, I make fun of him. So, we’re even now,” explained New York-based artist David Datuna, who bought Cattelan’s installment on Saturday. “I wanted to make fun of the art society and I did it.”
Despite lobbyists calling for healthier food alternatives in urban areas, Popeyes has come under fire for marketing its chicken sandwiches specifically to Black communities.
The Washington Post recently noted that while fried chicken is popular among all racial groups, it has often been used in popular culture to degrade and mock Black folks. Yet the popular brand makes it a point to promote that its chicken has spicier seasoning because their research has proven that people of color love the flavor and taste.
