In a groundbreaking year for the luxury art industry, Professor Markos, also known as Israel Mark, has achieved an extraordinary feat—selling six exclusive artworks from his Genes Art Collection for a total of $166 million USD in 2024. Without the backing of major auction houses like Sotheby’s or Christie’s, Markos built Genes into a billion-dollar brand through direct sales, elite networking, and an uncompromising vision for exclusivity
A Billion-Dollar Art Phenomenon
Founded in early 2024, Genes Art Collection was positioned as an ultra-exclusive brand catering to elite collectors seeking one-of-a-kind investment-grade artwork. By personally traveling the world, engaging with ultra-high-net-worth individuals, and leveraging private sales and personal pitching, Markos closed one of the most remarkable debut years for an artist in history. With first-year revenue of $166M USD, Genes is now valued at an estimated $1.14 billion USD, making Markos one of the world’s wealthiest living artists alongside names like Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, and Jasper Johns.
The $166 Million Art Sales Breakdown
Each artwork from Genes is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, reinforcing the brand’s ethos of exclusivity, prestige, and investment potential. Below is a breakdown of the six historic art sales from Genes’ first year
“Solutions” – Sold for $3M on February 7, 2024
“Momentum” – Sold for $11M on March 13, 2024
“What If” – Sold for $8M on May 2, 2024
“Demise” – Sold for $6M on August 21, 2024
“Surrender” – Sold for $23M on November 6, 2024
One In A Billion” – Sold for a record-breaking $115M on December 23, 2024
The Secrets to Selling Multi-Million Dollar Art
Markos’ success was no accident—it was a masterclass in high-ticket sales, branding, and direct relationship-building. The Genes business model relied on five key strategies that ensured its meteoric rise:
Exclusivity & Scarcity – Each piece was a one-of-a-kind, ensuring that collectors were buying something truly irreplaceable. Scarcity drives demand, and in the art world, the rarer the piece, the higher the value
Branding & Prestige – Genes wasn’t just selling art; it was selling status. Markos positioned the brand as an elite investment opportunity, appealing to collectors who value legacy, influence, and artistic significance.
Storytelling & Emotional Connection – Each Genes artwork was more than a visual—it was an experience. Buyers weren’t just investing in a painting; they were investing in a powerful narrative that resonated with them personally.
Elite Networking & Direct Sales– Markos traveled worldwide, engaging directly with billionaires, investors, and luxury connoisseurs. Instead of relying on auction houses, he created an exclusive private sales model, ensuring direct relationships with collectors.
Perceived Investment Value – Genes artworks weren’t just high-priced luxury—they were assets with long-term value appreciation. By positioning each piece as an investment-grade asset, Markos appealed to collectors seeking financial returns in addition to artistic prestige.
Changing the Art & Luxury Landscape
Professor Markos has disrupted both the art and luxury industries, proving that a strategically positioned brand can command multi-million-dollar price tags without traditional intermediaries. His direct-to-collector approach challenges the dominance of auction houses and could reshape the future of high-end art sales.
With the Genes Art Collection now valued at over $1.14 billion, the future holds limitless potential. As Markos continues to expand his brand, industry insiders speculate that Genes could become one of the most valuable art collections of the modern era.
About Genes Art Collection
Founded in 2024 by Professor Markos (Israel Mark), Genes Art Collection is a luxury art brand specializing in one-of-one, high-value masterpieces. Each Genes artwork is meticulously crafted and positioned as an exclusive, investment-worthy asset. The collection has redefined the ultra-luxury art market, attracting elite collectors worldwide.
For more information, visit https://genes.art/