Andreas Ivan: Smoochies – Maetherial

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Following the explosion of Non Fungible Tokens (“NFTs”) onto the global art scene, Poly Auction Hong Kong has teamed up with The Authority to curate an exclusive collection of NFT creations by leading NFT artists.
The collection features brand new creations from NFT sensation Andreas Ivan as well as 11 other internationally renowned artists. They will be debuted through Exhibitions in Hong Kong and an Online Auction hosted on Poly Auction’s mobile app and WeChat mini programme. This is an extraordinary step for Poly Auction Hong Kong and marks a significant milestone in the growth of NFTs in Asia.

Between 7th to 15th October, Andreas Ivan’s Smoochies: MÆTHERIAL Collection will be exhibited at Poly Gallery Hong Kong. This show marks the first time that Andreas Ivan, a remarkable digital Russian-Mauritian artist living in China, will officially collaborate with a Global Auction House. Andreas has created Smoochies: MÆTHERIAL specifically for launch with Poly Auction Hong Kong and The Authority. The Smoochies: MÆTHERIAL collection consists of 16 ‘Smoochies’. Each ‘Smoochie’ creation will be a 1 of 1 edition NFT available for Auctions and will be accompanied by 8 limited edition prints available for purchase at the Exhibition. This marks the first time Andreas Ivan’s highly sought after ‘Smoochies’ will be created in Fine Art print. Andreas has expressed that only 100 ‘Smoochies’ will be created in the course of his creative career, making Poly Auction Hong Kong and The Authority’s upcoming auction a rare opportunity to collect Andreas’ NFT creations.

As an expat living in China, Andreas is separated from his parents thousands of miles. This distance has been extremely challenging. His mother’s longing to have him by her side led to the creation of ‘Smoochies’. As a sign of appreciation for his mother, Andreas created ‘Smoochies’ to replicate the kisses his mother imparted in times of difficulty. The pouting design of ‘Smoochies’ is meant to convey the same love, comfort and support that the young Andreas received from his mother. Andreas hopes that the loving message underlying ‘Smoochies’ can bring a smile to its viewers and collectors.

The MÆTHERIAL collection features 16 new ‘Smoochies’ created by Andreas Ivan. All ‘Smoochies’ from the MÆTHERIAL collection come from a particular area within the NFT metaverse and represent their elemental belongings and origin. The 16 ‘Smoochies’ will be launched as 1 of 1 edition NFTs and limited edition physical prints, which marks the first time Andreas’ ‘Smoochies’ will be created in Fine Art print.

Bidding for the NFT ‘Smoochies’ will take place between 8th to 12th November on the Poly Auction mobile app and the WeChat mini program. The buyer who casts the winning bid for any 1 of 1 edition NFT ‘Smoochies’ will receive the corresponding 1 of 8 limited edition print of the same ‘Smoochies’ for free. The remaining 7 prints for each ‘Smoochies’ will be sold at the Exhibition.

ABOUT THE ARTIST / ORGANISER

Poly Auction Hong Kong, established in 2012 by Poly Culture Group Corp. Ltd., is a young yet remarkable auction house in Hong Kong and the Asia Pacific region.

Poly Auction Hong Kong has repeatedly achieved record auction results over the past few years, exhibiting a steady momentum of promising growth. Poly Auction (Hong Kong) comprises six departments: Modern and Contemporary Art, Fine Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy, Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Magnificent Jewels and Prestige Watches, and Rare Wine, Whisky and Chinese Tea Department.

The Authority is established in 2021 by Mr Eliott Suen. Eliott comes from a family of art collectors and is currently a member of the Hong Kong Museum Advisory Committee. The Authority is Eliott’s latest venture, an art and culture technology incubation platform with the aim of promoting digital and blockchain art.

The Authority works with artists, locations, crypto community, collectors and brands to deepen public knowledge towards blockchain assets, NFTs, and the future.