Ukrainian entrepreneurs auction off Koons work in support of Ukraine's wounded

Balloon Monkey Magenta, a monumental sculpture by Jeff Koons will go up for auction at Christie’s in support of Ukraine.

Donated by Ukrainian billionaire couple Victor and Olena Pinchuk, the work will be auctioned at the 20th/ 21st Century: London Evening Sale on June 28, 2022, but from June 14 to July 3 it will be on view in St. James’s Square, near Christie’s UK headquarters.

Proceeds will go to assist severely injured soldiers and civilians in need of prosthetics, medical treatment and rehabilitation.

The sculpture is estimated at £6 million to £10 million, but it could sell for more since in 2008 a similar statue of him was installed in St James’s Square and fetched a record $25.7 million, while in 2014 Balloon Monkey (Orange), from the same series, fetched $25.9 million.

Balloon Monkey (Magenta) is intended to be a symbol of hope and solidarity for the men, women and children living in war-torn Ukraine.

“Victor and Olena Pinchuk have worked tirelessly for Ukraine,” said Jeff Koons, “so it is a sincere privilege to have my work up for auction at Christie’s to support their extraordinary efforts. The true value of art is to be in the service of humanity, and there could be no higher calling at this time than to support the people of Ukraine. [...] Balloon Monkey (Magenta) appropriately symbolizes hope, affirmation and transcendence, and I can only hope that Victor and Olena Pinchuk’s donation of my artwork will help draw attention to the need for help and support for the people of this country, now more than ever.”

Ukrainian entrepreneurs auction off Koons work in support of Ukraine's wounded

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