I’m just saying that somehow the pineapple became the symbol of hospitality and the banana, well, let’s just say its backstory is more colorful. American colonists began importing the pineapple in the 17th century — this rare, exotic fruit soon became significant to give to guests; and given the voyage between America and the Caribbean islands was slow and dangerous, it garnered even more prestige. As the years passed the pineapple was being used to decorate the home. The banana, too, was important historically in many cultures and even made its way into textile design. Later on it was seen as exotic and adapted in Europe and America. So it’s looking like Americans like exotic fruit. Step into 1923 and you have a song titled, ”Yes, We Have No Bananas!‘ Then there’s the slipping on the banana peel use. In the 1940’s the banana became sensual — Miranda and her fruit basket and dancing. Even Andy Warhol gets in the picture. The album cover for The Velvet Underground & Nico has a painting by Warhol of a banana. Apparently early copies of the album had a banana which you could peel — “Peel slowly and see” — which revealed a flesh-colored banana underneath. Where is this going? No where really. Just amused at the meanings we create and became more interested as I painted this image — this soft, elongated fruit has a very different appeal (sorry) compared to the prickly pineapple.
A banana not a pineapple
