This kindergarten was built in the 1930s by Giuseppe Terragni and is a hidden gem of Como, the town in Northern Italy where I am from. The building to date serves its original function, but if you have a chance to visit the interiors, light filters beautifully through the glass windows and reveals the architect's custom-made furniture for kids to use.
2. Eileen Gray
Gray's design is unique and I am a big fan, especially of her chaise lounge. I find it intriguing how she manages to combine a very modern look with art deco frills and how she uses material in a very sensual way, especially through her preference for lacquered furniture. Her prices at auctions are insane at the moment but I would love to have a piece of hers in my house one day.
3. Artspace
The reason why I came to New Zealand, to start this new work adventure. My programme begins in September and I will start with presenting a selection of works from international artists, I need some time to familiarise myself with the New Zealand art scene but I am planning to work with Kiwi artists in the near future.With Artspace's team I am working at developing exciting new projects like residencies for international artists and a writing mentoring programme for people that would like to get involved in art criticism and this is only the beginning.
4. For Esme - With Love and Squalor, by J.D. Salinger
This is a gift, from someone who knows me well. I love Salinger's writing and will never grow tired of re-reading his books and short stories. This paperback edition seems to have had many lives and I also like that aspect.
5. Alighiero Boetti
Alighiero Boetti was a European conceptual artist. His Mappa were the result of a laborious process that started in the early 1970s between Italy and Afghanistan where the artist would commission a group of silk workers to produce a tapestry from a contemporary map of the world. Each piece would take years to be completed and bear witness to the historical changes that had concurrently occurred. In my travels I have started carrying with me a reproduction of one of his maps; it reminds me of how quickly things change and, to some degree, grounds me to the world.
6. Earrings
My friend Francesca gave me these earrings in London the night before I was embarking on the journey towards New Zealand. They are inspired by a 1930s design, or so she told me. I think they are very special and I hope to find the right occasion soon to wear them in Auckland.
7. Camden Arts Centre
Camden Arts Centre is probably my favourite exhibition space in London; their programme of shows is extremely interesting and it is a great location to have a Sunday brunch. Situated in North West London, the Victorian brick building used to house a library and now provides very beautiful, albeit challenging, rooms for art exhibitions.
8. The Civic
I have recently discovered the Civic during the film festival and I have succumbed to its charm, the lions with diamond eyes, the curtain with the flamingos, the starry sky and clouds, and the Indian palaces skyline are irresistible.
9. Sky Tower
The revolving restaurant was a real treat, enjoying good food with an amazing 360-degrees view of Auckland, is definitely a brilliant combination. The lunch was "interrupted" by a couple of bungy jumpers but I guess that is also part of the experience.
10. Agnes Curran
The coffee and location are great; it's small but with great food, magazines and an amazing mirror fireplace. It is on my way between home and work so it's absolutely perfect. I believe Agnes Curran was quite a figure in Ponsonby and I am a fan of this link to local history.
