Adam Lindemann is His Own Art Daddy
Adam Lindemann answers 7 questions from The Art Daddy
Adam Lindemann has come to occupy a very interesting space within the contemporary art world. The New York-native has worked in the art industry for over twenty years. And in that time, he has inhabited several important positions as a dealer, gallery owner, and even critic, all of which have come to inform the way he approaches art in general. In 2012, he opened the gallery Venus Over Manhattan which occupies two locations on Great Jones Street. Working with artists such as Peter Saul, Richard Mayhew, Joan Brown, Joseph Elmer Yoakum, Anastasia Bay and many others, Lindemann has developed a program in which he stresses the importance of repositioning artists that have historically been overlooked.
While Lindemann has charted a very serious art career, he has also maintained a sense of humor about himself and the art world in general, which is very apparent on his Instagram.
Lindemann catching some waves and being his own art daddy. Image courtesy of Lindemann.
The Art Daddy recently corresponded with Lindemann over email to get a better sense of what makes him tick, how being a writer has informed his art practice, and got the lowdown on how the Sunday Scratch came about.
Art Daddy: How has your experience as a writer informed your approach to both dealing art and being a gallerist?
Adam Lindemann: Funny you ask, I’ve been thinking about this a lot. Every show I do is a story, and every work of art I ever bought is a story; and everything I ever sold was part of my story. I’m only interested in stories–that’s why Venus Over Manhattan has had twenty four New York Times reviews and features in 12 years, our shows are stories, made for writers not just collectors.
Installation view of "Paradise Under Reconstruction in the Aesthetic of Funk: The Second Coming," Venus Over Manhattan, New York, 2024. Image courtesy of the gallery.
AD: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in the art world owning a gallery?
AL: Running a gallery is a lot of work and in an over saturated environment even harder. That said, Venus has its own voice, and has changed the course of several artist’s careers. I’m very happy with this success and I do it for the artist and for our collaboration and that’s what makes it worthwhile, when everyone benefits.
Lindemann at Basel. Image courtesy of Lindemann.
AD: Over the last 10 years, what are some of the biggest trends that you have seen emerge in the art world?
AL: So many! The main thing is trendiness…trends and hot markets took over, and art history has faded as have those interested in it. But there’s still enough of us that care! Value is out, trends are in! So I still believe in art history! And I’m not a follower, we work with great art that will last.
AD: What’s one thing you are obsessed with right now?
AL: I’m obsessed with my music and learning to play with others. Making music is not just playing an instrument.
I’m finally publishing a book of my articles from four years at the New York Observer and I am thinking of writing again. I am obsessed with some exciting artists, VENUS has come up, and the new stories to tell.
And I finally fixed my Achilles so I’m eager to surf and wing foil ski and kick ass again!
Image of Lindeman and his now legendary guitar. Image courtesy of Lindemann.
AD: How did the Sunday Scratch come about?
AL: I had a bad August and a failed surgery on my Achilles, and was stuck unable to do any sports. So, I turned to my old friend , my guitar! Singing outlaw country and love songs made me feel good and so I’ve kept it going…I may have posted almost 20 songs in a row. Let's see where it goes but it’s great fun playing with neighbors and friends and entertaining myself! Music is magic.
AD: What’s one piece of advice you wish you had when you were younger?
AL: This will sound absurd or shallow but here goes : focus on yourself -figure out what makes you tick, forget what others think or what you may think they think…who knows and who cares –find your own sweet spot. Stop trying to change others, it’s a waste of time. Focus on yourself, changing and improving yourself. That’s what counts, you .
AD: Define what an art daddy is to you. And who is your art daddy?
AL: My Art Daddy is myself ! I trust myself above anyone else. I have learned from every great Daddy I’ve met in art and am open to doing so every day, but I like to be my own Art Daddy, and luckily I am!
Until next time daddies be sure to follow The art daddy substack as well as on Instagram to get your daily dose of daddies. Dm's are always open for news, gossip, and tea sessions.
What a legend !