Valentina

Sandra and I met at the Gagosian Gallery on Madison to see the Pino Pascali exhibition.



Pascali is associated with Post-Minimalism and, specifically, with the Italian Arte Povera movement, whose protagonists sought to incorporate everyday life into art through the use of natural, organic and, often, unorthodox materials. In his short yet vital career (the artist died at the age of only thirty-two), Pascali displayed a subtle and sophisticated approach to the canon of sculpture. His sculptures function both as constructed objects and also as a distinct visual code.

Sandra's friend Valentina works at Gagosian and curated the exhibition. "Valentina is the most glamorous woman I know," proclaimed Sandra. And now that I have met her, she is the most glamourous woman I know.

Valentina is Italian and speaks English perfectly and graciously, with an accent that bespeaks euro-sophistication. She wears fabulous clothes that anyone could be told to put on their bodies, but not anyone could have thought to put together on their own or wear with the same savoir faire and aplomb. She speaks the language of art with deftness and brilliance. I am in awe.