MEET THE CURATOR BEHIND OUR MARCH EXHIBITION
Angeliki Kim Perfetti, the founder of Dynamisk Independent Curating and Art Advisory, has taken some time out from preparing our upcoming group show to share her biggest influences, current favourite reads and what to expect from LOVE when it opens at Kiklo Spaces in March.
What are three words to describe yourself?
Focused, genuine and dynamic.
Where does your interest in art come from?
I’ve always been interested in “the arts” having auditioned to a musical school at the age of 12. I then continued by studying professional dance at the age of 15. After graduating, I moved to Milan where I was immersed with fashion and architecture. But it was really at university that I made an active choice to focus on art history. I started my studies at an American university in Switzerland and later moved to London as a transfer student. I graduated from here with a double degree in Art History and Visual Culture.
Which artists and exhibitions influenced your outlook?
There are so many and in such different ways and periods of my life. While studying art history, I was really mesmerised by Abstract art, Minimalism, Arte Povera and the Flux movement with artists like Joseph Beuys, Yoko Ono and Nam June Paik. I was also inspired by Yves Klein and his way of curating. He opened his exhibition at Galerie Iris Clert in Paris in 1958 presenting nothing but a whitewashed room with an empty vitrine. The emphasis was on the momentousness of the opening itself.
An art movement that I obsessively return to is the Californian Light and Space movement. James Turrell is one of my all-time favourite artists because of so many reasons (I’ve actually written an essay on it).
As for unforgettable and impactful exhibitions, when I first moved to London, I went to see The Infinite Mix, a Hayward Gallery off-site group exhibition presented in collaboration with The Vinyl Factory at The Store, 180 The Strand. I loved everything! Especially Ugo Rondinone’s Thanx 4 Nothing (2015), a video tribute to his late husband John Giorno.
More recently, two of the very best exhibitions I’ve seen (and that have stayed with me) were both held at Sprüth Magers gallery in Mayfair, London. A year apart, the gallery presented two solo shows of two contemporary artists that I really admire, Anne Imhof in 2022 and Sylvie Fleury in 2023.
Of course I need to mention Barbara Kruger’s exhibition that is currently on at the Serpentine. Her first institutional show in London for 20 years. I’m a major Kruger fan having studied visual culture in university, which is what her art is all about!
What advice would you give to aspiring curators?
To have a genuine approach, be open to learn, not afraid to ask questions and take advice – as well as criticism.
What’s inspiring you right now?
Everything! My family, friends, and the artists I count myself lucky to be working with. They continue to inspire me on the daily. But also, people around me. I am a true observer and very attentive to detail. I like connecting the dots and working beyond traditional methods. I’m very social and love storytelling – meeting new people and having interesting encounters is always inspiring to me.
What is your biggest achievement?
I started Dynamisk in 2018, one year after graduating university. It has been amazing to see it grow into what it is today. Dynamisk now provides a multitude of curatorial and art advisory projects, studio visits, workshops, art talks and tours. I am all about short-term and long-term goals, so while I’m proud of what I have achieved so far, I have my mind set on a very bright future!
What can visitors expect from the LOVE group show?
LOVE is a feel-good show and that is just the beginning of what the visitors can expect from this group exhibition. Under the theme of “LOVE”, we have brought together some of the most interesting contemporary names working in the arts, showing alongside iconic artists such as Ed Ruscha and Harland Miller.
What is your idea of a perfect day in London?
I love that no day in London is alike. But if I were to describe an ideal day in London, I would probably say that it would be a sunny day in spring. I would start off in Mayfair with some gallery hopping to see the very latest and greatest that the contemporary art market currently has to offer, followed by lunch in the courtyard of Chiltern Firehouse.
What is the last book that you read?
Nothing Holds Back the Night by Delphine de Vigan. I warn you this is a very dark read! I didn’t pick it up myself, perhaps why it’s even more interesting to read. As a New Year’s resolution, I promised myself to read more, so in January I started a book club with a friend. We are now 12 women who take turns to select a book that we all read for the month and then host a dinner to discuss. I am currently reading The Vegetarian by the Korean author Han Kang.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
“You can reach all of your dreams only if you’re willing to be fully committed, focused, disciplined and persistent.”
Famous words and life advice from my mother, who has raised seven children while being a hotelier. I definitely get my strong mind and juggling skills from her, and she is probably my life inspiration!
Join us at Kiklo Spaces from March 4 to enjoy LOVE in all its forms.
