Gallery owner Valentina Akerman discusses the process of establishing an experimental art space, Galerie Sardine, in the Hamptons area.
In the heart of Amagansett, a small, weathered rental house has become a beacon for the art world. Sardine Gallery, a self-funded summer project space, was opened last summer by art director Valentina Akerman and her husband, artist Joe Bradley. Akerman, with a background in both architecture and philosophy, is fascinated by the unregulated, spirit-filled objects that artists create for themselves and their families.
The gallery, named Sardine, was conceived as a lovingly improvised experiment, fueled by impulse, instinct, and a small army of artist friends. The logo for Sardine was designed by the gallery's founders at their kitchen table, symbolizing portability and unpretentiousness.
Sardine gallery has grown into a Hamptons success story in its second season, with a film series, jewelry and artist residencies, dinners with chefs, and four exhibitions. Tenki Hiramatsu's dreamlike, Zen-inflected canvases will be displayed in conversation with Nate Lowman's light sculptures in an upcoming exhibition. Ida Ekblad's exuberant impasto paintings will also be exhibited, along with ceramics by Erin and Sam Falls and minimalist furniture by Brazilian designer Pali Cornelsen.
Akerman's vision for Sardine includes shows that blur the line between art and design, featuring painted furniture, ceramics, and objects that do not fit the traditional white-cube model. Visiting artists sometimes stay at the gallery's hosts' residence upstairs, as was the case with Sophie, an artist known for her murals and painted furniture, who created a show at Sardine gallery, living on-site for six weeks during its production.
However, as we approach the summer of 2025, information on Sardine’s current activity and future plans is not publicly documented or readily accessible. No explicit updates about Sardine’s operations or upcoming projects were found in the June–July 2025 timeframe. Direct contact with Valentina Akerman, Joe Bradley, or the gallery’s official channels would be recommended for up-to-date and detailed insights.
Despite the lack of recent updates, Sardine's unique approach to art and its unconventional spirit continues to intrigue the art world. The gallery's story serves as a testament to the power of passion, collaboration, and a little bit of improvisation in the world of art.
- The Sardine Gallery, a novel experiment birthed through impulse and improvisation, has left an indelible mark in art history, particularly in the bustling Hamptons scene.
- Last summer, art director Valentina Akerman and her artist husband, Joe Bradley, founded the cozy Sardine Gallery, a self-funded project space that challenges the conventions of traditional art institutions.
- Sardine Gallery's logo, designed at the kitchen table of its founders, symbolizes portability and simplicity, embodying its unpretentious ethos.
- In its second season, Sardine Gallery expanded its offerings to include a film series, artist residencies, chef dinners, and multiple exhibitions, showcasing a diverse array of mediums such as painting, ceramics, and sculpture.
- Forthcoming exhibitions at Sardine Gallery will feature Tenki Hiramatsu's dreamlike canvases alongside Nate Lowman's light sculptures, as well as Ida Ekblad's exuberant impasto paintings and a collaboration between Erin and Sam Falls on ceramics.
- Pali Cornelsen's minimalist furniture will also be showcased, further blurring the line between art and design, a key element of Akerman's vision for the gallery.
- Visiting artists often find temporary residence at the gallery's hosts' home, immersing themselves in the creative, unpredictable atmosphere that characterizes Sardine Gallery.
- As summer 2025 nears, the contemporary art world eagerly awaits updates about Sardine Gallery's current activities and future plans, as little information is publicly available.
- Regardless of the lack of recent updates, Sardine Gallery remains an enigma within the art world, its legacy increasing as a symbol of passion, collaboration, and creative freedom in the realm of fine art and lifestyle.
