Curatorial Axis

The Methodology

The collection emerged from a longlist of more than 100 artists reviewed through gallery dialogue, studio visits, institutional research, and site-specific analysis. Each final position was selected for its ability to contribute to AKI's architectural, philosophical, and experimential framework,

The Operational Tryptich

AKI London is not a restaurant with art, it is a cultural institution that happens to serve the finest Japanese cuisine in London.

Partnering with top-tier international galleries including Lisson Gallery, Goodman Gallery,
Adrian Sassoon, East Contemporary, Lawrie Shabibi, and Galerie nächst St. Stephan
Rosemarie Schwarzwälder to secure historically significant masterworks.

Engaging directly with artists to align their physical practice and material endurance with AKI’s core philosophical triad: Wa, Ganbaru, and Rei.

The meticulous choreography of placing works within Francis Sultana’s interior architecture, navigating strict heritage conservation compliance while maximising optical dialogue.

About Dr. Polina Surina

Dr. Polina Surina is a curator, cultural strategist, and founder of ArtisDomus. Holding a PhD in Economics and trained in Art Business at Sotheby's Institute of Art, she works at the intersection of contemporary art, hospitality, real estate, and cultural infrastructure.
In Conversation with Dr. Polina Surina