Is 19 Karen the Gold Coast’s Best Art Gallery?

19 Karen Contemporary Artspace is exactly what it sounds like. A one storey warehouse-looking modern art gallery nestled in an industrial precinct off the Gold Coast Highway, at 19 Karen Avenue. The Mermaid Beach exhibition room is one of, if not the best, gallery on the Goldy.

The woman behind the local art institution is Director, Terri Lew, an art collector for over 30 years who, in retirement, flirted with the idea of pursuing her life long dream of opening a contemporary art gallery. And, much to the delight of local artists, art collectors and art admirers, she did just that.

While dedicated to unearthing groundbreaking emerging artists, the gallery represents around 100 Aussie and international artists of several styles. The ever-rotating walls consistently display an eclectic mix of Street art, Expressionism, Pop art, Contemporary Figurative, Abstract, Realism, Surrealism, Pop Surrealism and anything else that particularly tickles Lew’s creative fancy.

“I could not hang paintings in my gallery that I couldn’t hang at home” – Gallery Director, Terri Lew

A testament to Lew having her finger directly on the pulse, 19 Karen is always up with what’s hot. Works currently on sale include that of Coco Dávez, the Spaniard making waves with her faceless pop art interpretations; Aimée Hoover, a Los Angeleno contemporary wildlife painter; and Joachim, a prominent Belgian street artist turned canvas master.

When it comes to buying art, Lew has more experience than the average painter Joe, and gives the following (very sound) advice:

“Buy art that you love. If you can’t walk away from it or if you are still thinking about it, it means that you have already committed to it emotionally. This is what art does to you. Buy art that reflects your taste, your mood and your personality. There are no guarantees that an artist will become successful and give you a return on your investment but the joy you will receive from living with it, is worth every dollar you spend.”

There is one exhibition currently showing at 19 Karen – Selected Works, a revolving exhibition of hand picked works from artists under the 19 Karen umbrella. Exhibits from Italian artist Gola Hundun and Brooklyn-based AM DeBrincat are coming soon.

Check out the documentary about 19 Karen made by Norwegian film maker, Leif Enrique Salinas.

words by niall roeder