In my opinion, yes, in this case, it is. Composers like Messiaen did weird experiments like transcribing bird song, so what makes this drummer any different? Translating human speech to percussion is a pretty strange and creative concept that hasn't been done too much in the past aside from creating instruments like talking drums, which were developed to sound this way. A drum kit, however, is a different story, considering that most non-drummers don't pay attention to the tuning of the instrument, leaving it up to the drummer's best judgment as to what they should play. However, I'd say that this guy did a pretty good job of mimicking the auctioneer's delivery, plus, it's a pretty funny idea when you compare the two side by side.
Got any favorite drummers or percussionists?