The author of "Blue Square" was surprised by the news about the success of his painting at auction // Photo: moscow-auction.ru .
The original cost of the lot was estimated at only 1,000 rubles (about €11). Taking into account the auction house’s 24 percent commission, the 37-year-old Smolnikov’s painting went up in price almost 100 times.
“I have nothing to do with it!”
The former footballer told about how his painting ended up at the auction. “In 2019, I took part in a joint social action with the Hermitage. It all took place in a game form. Each participant presented his version of Kazimir Malevich’s painting “Black Square”, then all the works were transferred to the charity auction. Since then I have not had and have no idea about the fate of my painting. And I have nothing, not even the slightest relation to the auction,” Smolnik is quoted by Russian Match TV.
Igor Smolnikov, who played for the Russian national team and a number of soccer clubs, ended his professional career in August 2023.
