In the world of art and design, few individuals exude the same warmth and charm as Valentina Akerman. As the co-founder of Galerie Sardine, Akerman has created a haven for artistic expression and community, all while maintaining a family-oriented atmosphere. Her home and gallery, located in Amagansett, New York, is a testament to her unique vision and impeccable taste.
One of the most captivating aspects of Akerman's approach is her ability to blend historical movements and styles with a disciplined eye. She draws inspiration from the Shaker movement, the Japanese Edo period, and Memphis Milano, creating a space that is both irreverent and rigorous. Her favorite sofa, a 1974 Mario Bellini 'Bambole' three-seater, is a perfect example of this, with its original cognac leather upholstery and timeless design.
Akerman's appreciation for architecture is evident in her admiration for Rudolf Steiner's Goetheanum, a seminal example of early modernist spirit. She also admires the work of architects like Aldo Rossi and Tadao Ando, whose designs she finds both pure and expressive. Her favorite museum, the Louisiana Museum in Denmark, showcases the raw, expressive, and childlike painting style of the CoBrA movement, which resonates with her own artistic vision.
In terms of style icons, Akerman looks up to Jane Wenner, whose chicness and singular point of view inspire her. Her mother, a true eccentric, is another style icon, embodying the uncompromising inner world that Akerman admires. Her favorite getaway, Hydra, Greece, is a place where her family can enjoy a good time together, regardless of age or stage of development.
Akerman's love for art extends beyond her gallery walls. She is married to the painter Joe Bradley, and she admires the work of Frank Auerbach, Louise Bourgeois, and Delcy Morelos. Her favorite restaurants, like Altro Paradiso in New York and St John in London, reflect her appreciation for simplicity and quality.
In conclusion, Valentina Akerman is a true visionary in the world of art and design. Her ability to blend historical movements and styles with a disciplined eye, her appreciation for architecture and museums, and her love for art and design make her a fascinating individual. Her home and gallery, Galerie Sardine, is a testament to her unique vision and impeccable taste, and it is a space that continues to inspire and delight.
