Top 25. The most expensive contemporary artists in Ukraine
Felix Pustinin
27 Sep 2025
Marbeks presents for the first time a ranking of the 25 most expensive contemporary Ukrainian artists, based on public auction sales. It includes artists who have lived and continued to create since Ukraine's independence. The ranking takes into account only the most expensive work by each author recorded at open auctions, as well as all art media. Private sales, sales through art institutions, and charity auctions are not included.
All results are given in US dollars, converted at the exchange rate at the time of sale, and the name of the auction house at the time of the auction is also indicated. It is important to understand that this rating does not reflect the entire contemporary Ukrainian art market: if there are no artists on the list who are currently in the spotlight, this does not mean that their works are not sold or are cheap — they simply did not fall into the category of the most expensive recorded public sales. The same situation applies to the artists represented: their works in private sales may cost significantly more than recorded in public auctions.
In our opinion, this ranking will be useful for collectors, gallery owners, art historians, and the media who are interested in art market analytics, as it provides verified and systematized data, avoiding common mistakes and incomplete lists that often appear in publications. Data from Marbeks, Artsy, Artprice, and other open sources was used to compile it. The ranking will be updated according to changes or the appearance of new data that was previously unknown to us.
All results are given in US dollars, converted at the exchange rate at the time of sale, and the name of the auction house at the time of the auction is also indicated. It is important to understand that this rating does not reflect the entire contemporary Ukrainian art market: if there are no artists on the list who are currently in the spotlight, this does not mean that their works are not sold or are cheap — they simply did not fall into the category of the most expensive recorded public sales. The same situation applies to the artists represented: their works in private sales may cost significantly more than recorded in public auctions.
In our opinion, this ranking will be useful for collectors, gallery owners, art historians, and the media who are interested in art market analytics, as it provides verified and systematized data, avoiding common mistakes and incomplete lists that often appear in publications. Data from Marbeks, Artsy, Artprice, and other open sources was used to compile it. The ranking will be updated according to changes or the appearance of new data that was previously unknown to us.
[b]1. Ivan Marchuk[/b] (Year of birth: 1936)
One of the most famous Ukrainian artists in the world, he created his own painting technique called “plontanism” — a complex network of thin lines and strokes that create an effect of flickering, light, and depth, making each painting seem alive. Marchuk's works combine philosophical reflections, memories, meditative contemplation of nature, and subtle nuances of human emotions, in which reflections on time, memory, and spirituality are hidden. Marchuk became the undisputed record holder of the Ukrainian art market: in 2024, his landscape was sold at auction in Kyiv for $300,000 — the highest result among contemporary Ukrainian artists, which continues to this day.
One of the most famous Ukrainian artists in the world, he created his own painting technique called “plontanism” — a complex network of thin lines and strokes that create an effect of flickering, light, and depth, making each painting seem alive. Marchuk's works combine philosophical reflections, memories, meditative contemplation of nature, and subtle nuances of human emotions, in which reflections on time, memory, and spirituality are hidden. Marchuk became the undisputed record holder of the Ukrainian art market: in 2024, his landscape was sold at auction in Kyiv for $300,000 — the highest result among contemporary Ukrainian artists, which continues to this day.
“The Moon Has Risen Over the Dnieper,” 1980 | Goldens, Kyiv, 2024 | $300,000
[b]2. Vitaly and Elena Vasilyev[/b] (Year of birth: 1966/1975)
A Ukrainian family duo of photographers who have been working together since 2002 and are currently based in Nice, France. Their works are born from a combination of experience, dreams, and subconscious images, transforming into expressive visual metaphors. The artists define photography as a way to look into the inner world and convey authentic feelings that are equally understandable and familiar to viewers from different cultures.
A Ukrainian family duo of photographers who have been working together since 2002 and are currently based in Nice, France. Their works are born from a combination of experience, dreams, and subconscious images, transforming into expressive visual metaphors. The artists define photography as a way to look into the inner world and convey authentic feelings that are equally understandable and familiar to viewers from different cultures.
Apocalypse in Art, 2014 | Phillips, London, 2015 | $205,785
[b]3. Anatoliy Kryvolap[/b] Year of birth: 1946
He is one of the most recognizable contemporary Ukrainian artists, a master of color. His paintings are distinguished by a rich palette, expressive brushstrokes, and the ability to create emotionally saturated images. Kryvolap works mostly with landscapes, which in his interpretation become metaphors for the inner state of a person. The artist often uses bright color contrasts, giving his works a powerful visual impact. Kryvolap gained wide recognition and became a symbol of contemporary Ukrainian art, particularly after his record-breaking sales at Phillips auctions in London in the early 2010s. His work combines a deep connection with Ukrainian cultural tradition and contemporary artistic exploration, making him one of the leaders of the country's art scene.
He is one of the most recognizable contemporary Ukrainian artists, a master of color. His paintings are distinguished by a rich palette, expressive brushstrokes, and the ability to create emotionally saturated images. Kryvolap works mostly with landscapes, which in his interpretation become metaphors for the inner state of a person. The artist often uses bright color contrasts, giving his works a powerful visual impact. Kryvolap gained wide recognition and became a symbol of contemporary Ukrainian art, particularly after his record-breaking sales at Phillips auctions in London in the early 2010s. His work combines a deep connection with Ukrainian cultural tradition and contemporary artistic exploration, making him one of the leaders of the country's art scene.
Horse, Evening, 2012 | Phillips, London, 2013 | $186,200
4. Leonid Kozlov Year of birth: 1954
A Ukrainian sculptor who works with forms that combine monumentality and subtle plasticity. In his works, he addresses the theme of the human body and metaphors of nature, creating images full of inner strength and harmony. Kozlov's sculptures often combine contemporary expression with classical tradition.
A Ukrainian sculptor who works with forms that combine monumentality and subtle plasticity. In his works, he addresses the theme of the human body and metaphors of nature, creating images full of inner strength and harmony. Kozlov's sculptures often combine contemporary expression with classical tradition.
5. Oleksandr Roytburd Years of life: 1961-2021
He belonged to a generation of artists who formed a new language of Ukrainian art in the 1990s. His paintings are distinguished by their vivid irony and combination of classical subjects with contemporary cultural codes. Roitburd boldly reinterpreted the canons, creating works on the borderline between painting and philosophical reflection. The artist gained recognition on the auction market in the early 2000s.
He belonged to a generation of artists who formed a new language of Ukrainian art in the 1990s. His paintings are distinguished by their vivid irony and combination of classical subjects with contemporary cultural codes. Roitburd boldly reinterpreted the canons, creating works on the borderline between painting and philosophical reflection. The artist gained recognition on the auction market in the early 2000s.
6. Boris Mikhailov Year of birth: 1938
One of Ukraine's most famous photographers and a classic of contemporary world art. His works explore Soviet and post-Soviet life, social transformations, and physicality, combining documentary and conceptual approaches. Mikhailov has created recognizable series, including Untitled, Medical History, and Near the Ground, which have brought him international recognition. His photographs are held in leading museums around the world, including MoMA in New York and Tate Modern in London.
One of Ukraine's most famous photographers and a classic of contemporary world art. His works explore Soviet and post-Soviet life, social transformations, and physicality, combining documentary and conceptual approaches. Mikhailov has created recognizable series, including Untitled, Medical History, and Near the Ground, which have brought him international recognition. His photographs are held in leading museums around the world, including MoMA in New York and Tate Modern in London.
7. Ilya Chichkan Year of birth: 1967
Known for his provocative visual language and ability to work with themes of identity, mass media culture, and political imagery. His most famous serialized project is Monkeys, in which he reinterpreted canonical images through the prism of postmodern irony. Chichkan's works often provoke discussion, as the artist skillfully combines play with visual symbols and social criticism.
Known for his provocative visual language and ability to work with themes of identity, mass media culture, and political imagery. His most famous serialized project is Monkeys, in which he reinterpreted canonical images through the prism of postmodern irony. Chichkan's works often provoke discussion, as the artist skillfully combines play with visual symbols and social criticism.
8. Maria Prymachenko Years of life: 1909-1997
One of the most prominent figures in 20th-century Ukrainian art, whose fantastical animals and decorative compositions have long been cultural symbols. Her naive but deeply national style combines folkloric motifs, fairy-tale imagination, and a subtle sense of color. Today, Prymachenko's work is of considerable interest to collectors.
One of the most prominent figures in 20th-century Ukrainian art, whose fantastical animals and decorative compositions have long been cultural symbols. Her naive but deeply national style combines folkloric motifs, fairy-tale imagination, and a subtle sense of color. Today, Prymachenko's work is of considerable interest to collectors.
9. Oksana Mas Year of birth: 1969
An artist known for her large-scale installations and paintings, in which she explores the interaction between tradition and modernity. Her works often combine motifs from sacred art with contemporary media, and her recognizable Post-vs-Proto-Renaissance project received international recognition at the 54th Venice Biennale.
An artist known for her large-scale installations and paintings, in which she explores the interaction between tradition and modernity. Her works often combine motifs from sacred art with contemporary media, and her recognizable Post-vs-Proto-Renaissance project received international recognition at the 54th Venice Biennale.
10. Oleg Tistol Year of birth: 1960
A painter whose work has shaped contemporary art since the late 1980s. He is a representative of Ukrainian neo-baroque and one of the leaders of the “New Ukrainian Wave.” His canvases feature historical allusions, cultural symbols, and a vividly expressive language of color. The artist works with themes of national identity, imaginary and real myths, transforming them into visual images. Tistol's style combines decorativeness, dynamism, and a sense of play, making his works easily recognizable and appealing to a wide audience of admirers.
A painter whose work has shaped contemporary art since the late 1980s. He is a representative of Ukrainian neo-baroque and one of the leaders of the “New Ukrainian Wave.” His canvases feature historical allusions, cultural symbols, and a vividly expressive language of color. The artist works with themes of national identity, imaginary and real myths, transforming them into visual images. Tistol's style combines decorativeness, dynamism, and a sense of play, making his works easily recognizable and appealing to a wide audience of admirers.
11. Vasyl Tsagolov Year of birth: 1957
An artist who works with painting, video, and installations, combining the aesthetics of mass culture with sharp social criticism. His works are distinguished by their cinematic quality, their play with pop culture images, and their ironic view of political reality. Tsagolov knows how to create a tense atmosphere where the line between art and media becomes almost invisible, and the plot unfolds like a scene from a film. Thanks to this unique artistic language, he occupies a prominent place among the leading authors of Ukrainian contemporary art.
For ethical reasons, we cannot illustrate the image of the painting.
An artist who works with painting, video, and installations, combining the aesthetics of mass culture with sharp social criticism. His works are distinguished by their cinematic quality, their play with pop culture images, and their ironic view of political reality. Tsagolov knows how to create a tense atmosphere where the line between art and media becomes almost invisible, and the plot unfolds like a scene from a film. Thanks to this unique artistic language, he occupies a prominent place among the leading authors of Ukrainian contemporary art.
For ethical reasons, we cannot illustrate the image of the painting.
12. Oleksandr Hnilitsky Years of life: 1961-2009
One of the most prominent representatives of Ukrainian transavantgarde art, a pioneer of installation and video art, and an active member of the Kyiv art group Paris Commune. His work encompassed painting, graphics, video, installations, kinetic objects, and performances. The artist often worked with cultural clichés and mass images, transforming them into profound artistic statements. Despite his untimely death in 2009, his creative legacy remains influential for the younger generation of artists.
One of the most prominent representatives of Ukrainian transavantgarde art, a pioneer of installation and video art, and an active member of the Kyiv art group Paris Commune. His work encompassed painting, graphics, video, installations, kinetic objects, and performances. The artist often worked with cultural clichés and mass images, transforming them into profound artistic statements. Despite his untimely death in 2009, his creative legacy remains influential for the younger generation of artists.
13. Arsen Savadov Year of birth: 1968
One of the most famous Ukrainian artists, representative of the “New Ukrainian Wave” of the 1990s. His work combines painting, photography, and performance, with identity, physicality, and social transformation as his main themes. Among his most famous projects is Donbas Chocolate, in which he used photography to create a powerful metaphor for the clash between dreams and reality. Today, Savadov's works are included in museum and private collections around the world, and his name is associated with Ukrainian conceptual art on the international stage.
One of the most famous Ukrainian artists, representative of the “New Ukrainian Wave” of the 1990s. His work combines painting, photography, and performance, with identity, physicality, and social transformation as his main themes. Among his most famous projects is Donbas Chocolate, in which he used photography to create a powerful metaphor for the clash between dreams and reality. Today, Savadov's works are included in museum and private collections around the world, and his name is associated with Ukrainian conceptual art on the international stage.
14. Maxim Mamsikov Year of birth: 1968
An artist whose work combines pop art, hyperrealism, and elements of surrealism. He is known for his series of paintings depicting moving objects such as cars, hot air balloons, and sports scenes. His works are characterized by a contrasting palette and dynamic compositions. Mamsikov actively experiments with different styles and techniques, in particular with monochromatic shades of blue.
An artist whose work combines pop art, hyperrealism, and elements of surrealism. He is known for his series of paintings depicting moving objects such as cars, hot air balloons, and sports scenes. His works are characterized by a contrasting palette and dynamic compositions. Mamsikov actively experiments with different styles and techniques, in particular with monochromatic shades of blue.
15. Oleg Golosiy Years of life: 1965-1993
An outstanding representative of the “New Ukrainian Wave,” whose career was rapid but short. His large-format canvases combine expression, mythological motifs, and postmodern irony. Despite his early death, Golosiy left a significant mark on Ukrainian art of the 1990s, and his works are now sought after in private collections.
An outstanding representative of the “New Ukrainian Wave,” whose career was rapid but short. His large-format canvases combine expression, mythological motifs, and postmodern irony. Despite his early death, Golosiy left a significant mark on Ukrainian art of the 1990s, and his works are now sought after in private collections.
16. Max Vityk Year of birth: 1964
Ukrainian artist who lives and works between the US and Ukraine. His work combines painting, archaeological allusions, and contemporary visual strategies. He is best known for his series Heroes, Mythologems, and Petroglyphs, in which he explores archetypes, historical memory, and collective myths. Vityk's works are characterized by expressive painterly gestures, a rich palette, and references to symbols of primitive art, which he reinterprets through the prism of modernity.
Ukrainian artist who lives and works between the US and Ukraine. His work combines painting, archaeological allusions, and contemporary visual strategies. He is best known for his series Heroes, Mythologems, and Petroglyphs, in which he explores archetypes, historical memory, and collective myths. Vityk's works are characterized by expressive painterly gestures, a rich palette, and references to symbols of primitive art, which he reinterprets through the prism of modernity.
17. Viktor Sydorenko Year of birth: 1953
He is known for his large-scale paintings and installations, in which he explores the themes of memory, history, and identity. The central image in his work is often the human body, devoid of specifics but full of symbolic meaning. Sydorenko's works have represented Ukraine at the Venice Biennale and have been exhibited in many museums around the world, cementing his status as one of the leading artists of contemporary Ukraine.
He is known for his large-scale paintings and installations, in which he explores the themes of memory, history, and identity. The central image in his work is often the human body, devoid of specifics but full of symbolic meaning. Sydorenko's works have represented Ukraine at the Venice Biennale and have been exhibited in many museums around the world, cementing his status as one of the leading artists of contemporary Ukraine.
18. Serhiy Hai Year of birth: 1959
Ukrainian artist, whose work focuses on nudes, pairs of figures, equestrian compositions, and still lifes, which are repeated in various variations thanks to his unique technique and deep perception. Hai's works are distinguished by rich tones, drama, and sensuality, combining the masculinity of images with the lyrical expressiveness of line and color.
Ukrainian artist, whose work focuses on nudes, pairs of figures, equestrian compositions, and still lifes, which are repeated in various variations thanks to his unique technique and deep perception. Hai's works are distinguished by rich tones, drama, and sensuality, combining the masculinity of images with the lyrical expressiveness of line and color.
19. Yegor Zigura Year of birth: 1984
A sculptor known for combining ancient forms with contemporary visual language. In his works, he reinterprets cultural archetypes, particularly ancient sculpture, weaving into them themes of the fragility of civilization and the challenges of the present day.
A sculptor known for combining ancient forms with contemporary visual language. In his works, he reinterprets cultural archetypes, particularly ancient sculpture, weaving into them themes of the fragility of civilization and the challenges of the present day.
19. Oleg Pinchuk Year of birth: 1960
One of Ukraine's most famous artists, master of bronze sculpture and installations. His works are distinguished by their dynamism, emotional expressiveness, and deep philosophical content. Pinchuk actively experiments with form and materials, creating works that combine classical traditions with contemporary trends. He is particularly known for his sculptures, which often contain elements of fantasy, mythology, and humor, as well as allusions to mythical characters, combining the sophistication and dynamism of a unique artistic style.
One of Ukraine's most famous artists, master of bronze sculpture and installations. His works are distinguished by their dynamism, emotional expressiveness, and deep philosophical content. Pinchuk actively experiments with form and materials, creating works that combine classical traditions with contemporary trends. He is particularly known for his sculptures, which often contain elements of fantasy, mythology, and humor, as well as allusions to mythical characters, combining the sophistication and dynamism of a unique artistic style.
[b]20. Oleksandr Klymenko[/b] Year of birth: 1963
Artist, founder of the author's technique of solar-spectral painting, which combines elements of Suprematism and his own concept of “Astrosferism.” One of the participants and founders of the Kyiv group “Paris Commune,” which played a key role in the formation of contemporary Ukrainian art. Klymenko's work is distinguished by its vivid colors, experimentation with form, and deep philosophical content. He works with painting, graphics, and photography, freely combining different techniques and forming his own visual language.
Artist, founder of the author's technique of solar-spectral painting, which combines elements of Suprematism and his own concept of “Astrosferism.” One of the participants and founders of the Kyiv group “Paris Commune,” which played a key role in the formation of contemporary Ukrainian art. Klymenko's work is distinguished by its vivid colors, experimentation with form, and deep philosophical content. He works with painting, graphics, and photography, freely combining different techniques and forming his own visual language.
India. Goa, 2009 | Phillips de Puri & Co, London, 2011 | $25,000
21. Nazar Bilyk Year of birth: 1979
Ukrainian sculptor working with bronze, glass, and modern materials. His works are distinguished by their purity of form and precision of execution, and their themes predominantly focus on the relationship between humans and nature and the environment. The artist's most famous work is the sculpture “Rain” on Peizazhna Alley in Kyiv, which has become one of the most recognizable contemporary urban sculptures in Ukraine.
Ukrainian sculptor working with bronze, glass, and modern materials. His works are distinguished by their purity of form and precision of execution, and their themes predominantly focus on the relationship between humans and nature and the environment. The artist's most famous work is the sculpture “Rain” on Peizazhna Alley in Kyiv, which has become one of the most recognizable contemporary urban sculptures in Ukraine.
22. Олександр Животков Рік народження: 1964
Митець, чия творчість поєднує сучасність із відчуттям глибинної історії та духовних традицій. У своїх роботах він звертається до тем пам’яті, віри та культурної спадщини, використовуючи характерну змішану техніку та матеріали — дерево, полотно, пігменти, іноді навіть метал. Животков працює серіями, вибудовуючи власний символічний світ, де кожна форма й фактура набуває значення. Його мистецтво відзначається аскетизмом, монументальністю та сильною енергетикою.
Митець, чия творчість поєднує сучасність із відчуттям глибинної історії та духовних традицій. У своїх роботах він звертається до тем пам’яті, віри та культурної спадщини, використовуючи характерну змішану техніку та матеріали — дерево, полотно, пігменти, іноді навіть метал. Животков працює серіями, вибудовуючи власний символічний світ, де кожна форма й фактура набуває значення. Його мистецтво відзначається аскетизмом, монументальністю та сильною енергетикою.
23. Павло Керестей Рік народження: 1962
Художник, який працює у живописі, відео, фотографії, інсталяціях і перформансі, а також є автором теоретичних текстів і куратором. Виходець із «Паризької комуни» в Києві, він став одним із провідних представників «Нової української хвилі» у живописі.
Художник, який працює у живописі, відео, фотографії, інсталяціях і перформансі, а також є автором теоретичних текстів і куратором. Виходець із «Паризької комуни» в Києві, він став одним із провідних представників «Нової української хвилі» у живописі.
24. Іван Турецький Рік народження: 1956
Художник і графік, співзасновник Українського геральдичного товариства. Автор численних гербів, зокрема малого державного герба України та сучасного герба Львова. Майстер абстракції та кубофутуризму, чиї роботи вирізняються динамічними композиціями та глибоким філософським змістом. Турецький активно експериментує з формою та кольором, створюючи твори, які поєднують елементи класичної техніки з актуальними тенденціями сучасного мистецтва.
Художник і графік, співзасновник Українського геральдичного товариства. Автор численних гербів, зокрема малого державного герба України та сучасного герба Львова. Майстер абстракції та кубофутуризму, чиї роботи вирізняються динамічними композиціями та глибоким філософським змістом. Турецький активно експериментує з формою та кольором, створюючи твори, які поєднують елементи класичної техніки з актуальними тенденціями сучасного мистецтва.
