A DEEDS interview with New York interior designer and gallery owner Sara Lily Perez, who created a space for global and socially conscious art at BIKINI BERLIN in 2021, about personal growth, sustainability and galleries as tools for social change.
Image above: Sara Lily Perez Gallery, on the first floor of BIKINI BERLIN, courtesy of the gallery
DEEDS.NEWS: Sara, you originally come from New York and are now a gallery owner in Berlin. How did that come about?
Sara Lily Perez: I moved from New York to Berlin in 2018 – at that time, my professional focus was still on interior design, specialising in luxurious residential and commercial spaces. For me, design was never just functional – I was always interested in creating moods with spaces, bringing aesthetics to life and telling stories.
But over time, something else grew within me: an ever-increasing fascination with contemporary art. And that changed my professional direction in a way I never would have expected.
DEEDS.NEWS: How did you get started in the Berlin art scene?
Sara Lily Perez: In the beginning, everything was quite organic. I organised smaller cultural events – formats that focused on art, conversation and creative exchange. Step by step, I immersed myself deeper into Berlin’s vibrant art scene.
These experiences made the transition from interior design to curatorial work easier for me. Then, in 2021, I took the big step: I opened my own gallery in Bikini Berlin – a place that combines fashion, design and culture.
DEEDS.NEWS: Was the gallery intended as a long-term project from the outset?
Sara Lily Perez: No. Originally, it was intended as a temporary experiment – a trial run to see if my concept would be successful. However, it quickly became apparent that there was potential.
Despite the pandemic and all the initial challenges, the gallery quickly stabilised. And today, four years later, we are still in the same location and continue to grow with each new exhibition.
For us, it’s not just about representation, but about sparking discussions, reflecting social issues and understanding art as a tool for change.
Sara Lily Perez
DEEDS.NEWS: What makes your gallery programme special?
Sara Lily Perez: We focus on three cornerstones: sustainability, social responsibility and a global perspective. Every month, we showcase new exhibitions featuring artists who are either already established or just starting out.
It is important to us to give visibility to international voices that bring new impetus to Berlin’s art scene. We are not only concerned with representation, but also with initiating discussions, reflecting social issues and understanding art as a tool for change.
DEEDS.NEWS: You probably can’t tackle a project like this on your own. Who is supporting you?
Sara Lily Perez: My partner Darian Waskowycz plays a key role. He is our gallery director – and without him, much of this would not have been possible. His expertise, commitment and vision have been and continue to be an enormous source of support.
Together, we have created a gallery that not only showcases exciting art, but also fosters a strong sense of community. This is particularly important to us: we don’t just want to curate exhibitions, we also want to build connections.
DEEDS.NEWS: Opening a gallery in Bikini Berlin sounds unconventional. Why there of all places?
Sara Lily Perez: That’s exactly what appealed to me. Bikini Berlin is a place where retail, lifestyle and culture come together in an exciting way. It bridges the gap between the art scene and everyday life.
This allows us to reach an incredibly diverse audience: experienced collectors, curious passers-by, tourists – and many people who are encountering contemporary art for the first time. This openness was part of our vision from the very beginning: making art accessible, questioning classic gallery models and enabling new forms of participation.
DEEDS.NEWS: When you look back on the early days, how has your project changed?
Sara Lily Perez: What began as an experiment is now an essential part of my life. The gallery is a living organism – with each exhibition, we expand our understanding of what an art space can be.
Our goal remains the same: to show art that touches, stimulates thought, inspires – and perhaps also proves that creative energy often arises in the most unexpected places.
DEEDS.NEWS: And what does Berlin mean to you – personally and professionally?
Sara Lily Perez: Berlin has given me the space to reinvent myself. It has embraced me as a designer and shaped me as a gallery owner. If I have learned one thing, it is this: the most exciting paths in life are often the ones you didn’t plan.
DEEDS.NEWS: Thank you for talking to us, Sara – and for your inspiring work.
Sara Lily Perez: Thank you! It was my pleasure.
WHERE?
Galerie Sara Lily Perez
on the 1st floor of Bikini Berlin
Budapester Str. 48
10787 Berlin
WHEN?
Tuesday to Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday and Monday by appointment
