ART COLLECTION
Culture as
Permanent Infrastructure
AKI London integrates contemporary art, heritage architecture,
and hospitality into a single cultural ecosystem.
Explore Art Collectionand hospitality into a single cultural ecosystem.
CURATORIAL AXIS
Three Values.
One Living Framework.
One Living Framework.
The curation is anchored in three living values rooted in Japanese philosophy, which dictate both the selection of artists and the physical placement of works within the space.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PHILOSOPHY
WA
HARMONY
- Art + architecture
- Balance
- Perception and the continuous dialogue between space and experience.
GANBARU
DEDICATION
- Craft & discipline
- Pursuit of excellence
- Continuous evolution
REI
RESPECT
- Ritual & tradition
- Material Integrity
- People & place
ARTISTS IN DIALOGUE
THE DEBONO FAMILY VISION
The Family Behind the Vision
Culture as Permanent Infrastructure
The AKI Collection reflects the long-term commitment of the Debono Family to culture, hospitality and placemaking. Acros generations, the family has viewed art, architecture and hospitality not as separate disciplines, but as interconnected elements of meaningful spaces and lasting value.
The collection represents an extension of this vision - bringing together international artists, heritage architecture and contemporary cultural dialogue within a single ecosystem.
The collection represents an extension of this vision - bringing together international artists, heritage architecture and contemporary cultural dialogue within a single ecosystem.
"
At db Group, we have never viewed contemporary art as a secondary decoration or an afterthought. For our family, culture is a permanent, strategic driver of the sparial experience and a pillar of institutional value.
— Robert Debono
Chief Executive Officer, db Group
CURATORIAL NOTE
The AKI Collection was conceived not as a hospitality collection, but as a long-term cultural ecosystem.
Developed within a Grade II-listed historic building, the collection explores the relationship between contemporary artistic practice, architecture, craftsmanship and hospirality.
Every work was selected not only for its individual significance, but for its ability to contribute to a wider curatorial dialogue.
Guided by the principles of WA, GANBARU and REI, the collection invites visitors to experience art not a separate destination, but as an integral part of everyday life.
Developed within a Grade II-listed historic building, the collection explores the relationship between contemporary artistic practice, architecture, craftsmanship and hospirality.
Every work was selected not only for its individual significance, but for its ability to contribute to a wider curatorial dialogue.
Guided by the principles of WA, GANBARU and REI, the collection invites visitors to experience art not a separate destination, but as an integral part of everyday life.
— Robert Debono
Chief Executive Officer, db Group
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.
LEARN MOREHolding 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.
CURATORIAL NOTE
Art, Integrated
Throughout AKI
Throughout AKI
Works are thoughtfully placed throughout the building, creating a seamless dialogue between art, architecture and experience.
-1
Lower Level
(Kiyori Bar, Powder, DJ Set)
0
Ground Floor
(Entrance, Main Dining)
1
First Floor
(Mezzanine / Private Dining)
The Operational Tryptich
The Institutional Dialogue
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.
The Operational Tryptich
Studio Visits & Alignment
Engaging directly with artists to align their physical practice and material endurance with AKI’s core philosophical triad: Wa, Ganbaru, and Rei.
The Operational Tryptich
In-Situ Installation
The meticulous choreography of placing works within Francis Sultana’s interior architecture, navigating strict heritage conservation compliance while maximising optical dialogue.
