Oligarch is auctioning Jeff Koons sculpture to treat wounded Ukrainian soldiers

On June 28, one of the iconic sculptures by US artist Jeff Koons, “Balloon Monkey (Magenta)” (2006-13), will be auctioned at Christie’s in London by Ukrainian oligarch Victor Pinchuk with his wife Olena to raise funds for humanitarian aid for Ukraine. The famous Pop opera will be offered with an estimate between 6 and 10 million pounds (about 7-11 million euros). The proceeds will be used to assist soldiers and civilians seriously injured by the war in urgent need of prosthetics, medical treatment and rehabilitation. Representing the innocence and joy of childhood for both children and adults, “Balloon Monkey (Magenta),” explains a Christie’s release, “stands as a monumental symbol of hope and solidarity with those men, women and children living in war-torn Ukraine who have suffered a terrible loss. The largest piece in the artist’s celebrated balloon series, stands as a shimmering symbol of solidarity and a beacon of hope. “Ukrainian oligarch Victor Pinchuk he is the founder of EastOne Group, an international investment, project financing and financial advisory firm based in London, and of Interpipe Group, one of the leading Ukrainian producers of tubes, wheels and steel. He is also the owner of four television channels and a popular tabloid, “Fakty i Kommentarii”. The sculpture will be shown during the ’20th / 21st Century: London Evening Sale’ and in the previous days it will be exhibited in St James’s Square, near Christie’s headquarters in London. As early as 2008 it had similarly installed in St James’s Square and set a record at the time for Jeff Koons, making $ 25.7 million. In November 2014 “Balloon Monkey (Orange)”, from the same series as the lot coming up for auction, reached a price of 25.9 million dollars. “Balloon Monkey (Magenta)” is one of the artist’s five unique versions (red, magenta, blue, yellow, orange). Jeff Koons said: “Victor and Olena Pinchuk have worked tirelessly for Ukraine, so it’s a sincere privilege to have my artwork auctioned at Christie’s to support their extraordinary efforts. The true value of art is to be in the service of humanity and there could not be a higher calling at this time than to support the Ukrainian people. ‘Balloon Monkey (Magenta) ‘aptly symbolizes hope, affirmation and transcendence, and I can only hope that the donation of my artwork by Victor and Olena Pinchuk will help draw attention to the need for help and support for the people of this country, now more than ever. “Victor Pinchuk commented:” Every Ukrainian civilian comrade killed or injured by Russian bombing, shooting and systematic violence means a wound in our souls. proceeds from the auction, we can help save lives. We can help make war-torn lives whole again. Dozens, perhaps hundreds of lives, each of which has a value beyond words. Jeff Koons’ Balloon Monkey (Magenta) is a celebration of life. Let’s put life and hope against death and suffering. In art and action “.