Artyli Gallery is a dynamic contemporary African art gallery based in Johannesburg, established in March 2020, just before the global lockdown. Despite the challenges, we have rapidly built a strong roster of emerging and mid-career artists, continually evolving in our approach to showcasing diverse talent. The gallery regularly curates both group and solo exhibitions, fostering a space for innovation and creative expression.

 

We have proudly participated in art fairs, including TAF 2022 and 2023, and will be exhibiting at the SCOPE Art Fair in Miami in December 2024. Our mission is twofold: to cultivate meaningful collaborative opportunities for our artists through exhibitions and to engage audiences with their narratives. Equally important, we aim to demystify contemporary art for our collectors and visitors, offering insightful walkabouts and inviting industry experts to share their perspectives.

 

Located in Nelson Mandela Square, Artyli Gallery is a beacon of artistic growth, cultural dialogue, and art appreciation.

  • The Artyli Team

    The Artyli team is composed of empowered and intelligent women, who each work to their strengths to contribute uniquely to...
    The Artyli team is composed of empowered and intelligent women, who each work to their strengths to contribute uniquely to the space. The Artyli team has created an ‘artist-centric’ culture in the gallery space that honours and supports the creative vision of each artist that we represent. 
     
    • Karen Cullinan, Founder and CEO of Artyli Gallery, embodies the dual roles of businesswoman and practicing artist. She holds an...

      Karen Cullinan, Founder and CEO of Artyli Gallery, embodies the dual roles of businesswoman and practicing artist. She holds an Honours degree in Fine Art from the University of Johannesburg and has over 28 years of business experience. In 2020, she launched Artyli Gallery, successfully navigating the challenges of COVID-19 and establishing the gallery's brand. Karen oversees all operations and curates exhibitions. Before Artyli, she managed a commission-based art business for 24 years, creating artworks for corporate, hospitality, and residential markets in South Africa and internationally.

    • Richard Cullinan is an art lover, author, TEDx speaker, EQ facilitator, coach, and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience...

      Richard Cullinan is an art lover, author, TEDx speaker, EQ facilitator, coach, and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in strategic business thinking and execution. As a valuable member of Artyli Gallery's board of directors, he works closely with his wife, CEO Karen Cullinan, to build strong relationships with the gallery's artists. Richard frequently opens exhibitions and trains gallery staff in sales, customer service and leadership.

    • Khumi Waleng-Friedman obtained a BA in Psychology from Wits University. She is furthering her knowledge in management by completing a...

      Khumi Waleng-Friedman obtained a BA in Psychology from Wits University. She is furthering her knowledge in management by completing a Postgraduate 1n Business Administration. Khumi has a passion for art and social impact work and possesses a talent for organization. With extensive experience in a gallery space and managerial positions, she currently serves as the gallery manager of Artyli.

    • Raia Howard Alexandrov completed her degree in Fine Arts at the University of Johannesburg in 2022. She specialized in videography...

      Raia Howard Alexandrov completed her degree in Fine Arts at the University of Johannesburg in 2022. She specialized in videography and developed a passion for video editing and graphic design in her final years at the university. After finishing her studies, she freelanced in social media􀀊 graphic design, and videography for a year before joining the Artyli team as their digital content manager.

    • Michelle Fernie is Artyli Gallery's dedicated bookkeeper and administrative assistant. Since the gallery's inception, she has played a crucial role...

      Michelle Fernie is Artyli Gallery's dedicated bookkeeper and administrative assistant. Since the gallery's inception, she has played a crucial role in its success through her meticulous bookkeeping and invaluable support with various administrative tasks. Michelle's commitment and expertise have been instrumental in helping the gallery thrive, making her an indispensable member of our team.

    • Thabile Matlatla joined Artyli Gallery in 2022 and has since contributed significantly by assisting the team with dispatch, storeroom management,...

      Thabile Matlatla joined Artyli Gallery in 2022 and has since contributed significantly by assisting the team with dispatch, storeroom management, events, and gallery maintenance.

    • Oratile Mosimanekgosi an academic writer with a BA in Visual Art from the University of Johannesburg, focuses on contextualizing written...

      Oratile Mosimanekgosi an academic writer with a BA in Visual Art from the University of Johannesburg, focuses on contextualizing written content for Artyli and its artists. Their approach ain1s for clarity, avoiding overly intricate language to ensure resonance with a broad audience.

    • Karin Basel has a long-standing passion for art, encompassing creation, education, and collection. She holds an MTech in Fine Art...

      Karin Basel has a long-standing passion for art, encompassing creation, education, and collection. She holds an MTech in Fine Art from the University of Johannesburg. In addition to creating her own artworks, Karin is dedicated to inspiring others to explore the joys of art—whether through creating, learning, or writing about it. She currently lectures at the University of Johannesburg and conducts private art coaching sessions. Karin also contributes content to Artyli Gallery and conducts specialized coaching sessions for selected artists, whom are working toward specific exhibitions.