Adam Lindemann
Gallerist and Founder of Venus Over Manhattan in New York, United States
Adam Lindemann, a renowned art collection and gallery management figure, is celebrated for his profound influence on contemporary and historical art. Originating from New York, he founded Venus Over Manhattan, a gallery distinguished for its innovative approach to art exhibitions that blend historical significance with contemporary relevance. Under his guidance, the gallery has become known for spotlighting various groundbreaking artists across generations, including Maryan, Jack Goldstein, and Keiichi Tanaami.
With a sharp eye for emerging and established talents, Adam has curated exhibitions featuring artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jeff Koons, and Damien Hirst. Recently, Venus Over Manhattan hosted "Celestial Songs," an exhibition curated by Adrianne Rubenstein that drew parallels with the Funk Art movement and featured artists like Maija Peeples-Bright and Roy De Forest.
The gallery's presence is also felt at major art fairs, including Art Basel and Frieze, enhancing its global stature. Adam's strategic acumen in art collection is exemplified by his historic sales at auctions, such as the 2007 Sotheby's auction where Jeff Koons' "Hanging Heart (Magenta/Gold)" fetched $23.5 million, setting a record for a living artist at that time. His prowess was further highlighted in 2016 when he sold Basquiat's "Untitled (Devil)" for $57.3 million at Christie's, establishing a new record for the artist.
2023 marked another significant year for him with the sale of Jean Royère's "Ours Polaire" sofa at Christie's for $3,420,000, surpassing its estimated value and setting a new record for the artist. This sale was part of "ADAM: Works from the Collection of Adam Lindemann," an auction that featured major works from his collection and garnered significant attention, illustrating his deep understanding of the art market.
Adam is also a dedicated philanthropist who supports various cultural institutions, notably the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His contributions have notably aided the renovation of the Michael C. Rockefeller wing, enhancing the museum's collection of art from sub-Saharan Africa, Oceania, and the ancient Americas.
His upbringing in New York's vibrant cultural milieu influenced his early interactions with prominent figures like Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, shaping his perspectives on art and culture. He pursued higher education at Amherst College and Yale Law School, further broadening his intellectual and cultural horizons.