“Hydra”, the highest price in Artmark’s sculpture auction. Han, Irimescu and Guguianu, adjudicators

“Hydra”, by Costin Ioniță, obtained the highest price in the Artmark sculpture auction, which took place on March 28 and in which 64 works were awarded, some signed by Oscar Han, Ion Irimescu and Marcel Guguianu.

The auction registered a total of 169,250 euros, with an award rate of 77.11%.

“Hydra (Project 1990)” (2012), by Costin Ioniță, a sculpture made of polystyrene, steel, fiberglass and resin, with a height of 6 meters, received the highest estimate, at most 10,000 euros. That was also the price it was sold for.

Most recently, the work was part of this year’s edition of the Romanian Sculptors’ Month project, held in Iasi, where it was the subject of a controversy. Placed in the open air, she was the target of passers-by – some were indifferent, but others even considered her demonic.

This is the second price for a work by Costin Ioniță, whose “Black Knight” was awarded in 2021 for 30,000 euros – a record for a young sculpture at the time.

Two works by Oscar Han were sold – “Moș Țuțu (Peasant from Siliștea)”, bronze estimated at 1,800 euros, a variant of which is in the collection of the National Art Museum of Romania, and “Sărut”, patinated clay, with the same estimate. The first was awarded for 3,250 euros, and the second, for 9,500 euros.

The two works entitled “Music” by Ion Irimescu also found buyers. They were sold for 3,500 euros and 5,500 euros.

Marcel Guguianu was present at the auction with nine sculptures, of which the “Muse”, made in marble, received the highest estimate of 5,000 euros. All were sold for between 1,200 euros (“Equilibrium” and “Repaos”) and 7,000 euros (“Elan”).

Works by Ion Jalea, Felix Aftene, Romulus (Romul) Ladea, Ion Iancuț and Alexandru Călinescu were also awarded.