LARRY GAGOSIAN

The world's grandest art dealer and new owner of Book Hampton, the celebrated tome slinger to East End Brahmins—on summering in Capri, wading in warm St. Barts waters, his custommade pool cue, and sitting for David Hockney

PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE

What is your idea of perfect happiness? A good night's sleep.

What is your greatest fear?

Antibiotic-resistant infection.

Which historical figure do you most identify with? Casanova.

What do you dislike most about your appearance? A few years ago I was very fortunate that David Hockney asked if he could paint my portrait, and I think it turned out great. Over the

three days that I sat for him, I did my best to keep my stomach flat—but when I saw the finished painting, it was clear that I had not succeeded.

What is your greatest extravagance?

My custom-made pool cue.

What is the trait you most deplore in others? Ghosting.

What is your favorite journey?

Climbing the stairs to Casa Malaparte in Capri every summer.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Frugality.

Which living person do you most despise? Guess!

Which word or phrase do you most overuse? "What the fuck?"

What is your greatest regret?

I did not stick with my piano lessons as a kid.

When and where were you happiest?

Swimming in the ocean in St. Barts.

Which talent would you most like to have? I really wish I could tap-dance.

What is your current state of mind?

Productively confused.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

My impatience.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? My gallery.

What is your most treasured possession? My restaurant, Kappo Masa.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Loneliness.

If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be? I wish I had gotten to know them better.

What is your favorite occupation?

Luckily, the one that I have.

Who are your favorite writers?

Raymond Chandler and Emma Cline.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?

Leonardo da Vinci, who was both real and mythical.

Who are your heroes in real life?

I have always been more drawn to the antiheroes.

What are your favorite names?

Cy and Brice.

What is it that you most dislike? When there are not enough chocolate chips in a scoop of chocolate chip ice cream.

How would you like to die?

In 100 years. On Mars.

What is your motto? "Only the paranoid survive."