A hidden gem. The curation of work is captivating...
Amazing place. Beautiful space...
I came in today and was absolutely blown away by the amazing pieces that were in your space. I did not expect to pass by an art gallery today but beyond happy that I did because all the artworks were absolutely incredible and it was such a surprise. Truly a hidden gem!
The space is fresh and well laid out, with a balance of various artists and styles...
What a wonderful space & quality art. I have wall envy!
19 Karen holds an impressive collection, with a significant variety of styles executed with excellent technical ability.
A gallery with a personality like none other.
The art was outstanding in both quality and variety. An inspiring visit...
A place that takes you on a journey...
A Walk Through 19 Karen Contemporary Artspace
When visitors step into 19 Karen, they enter a space designed with intention. The gallery spans 700 square meters (7,530 square feet), divided into six interconnected exhibition rooms. Each area offers quiet alcoves, giving guests the chance to explore at their own pace, discovering works tucked into corners or displayed boldly across wide walls.
Behind the main gallery lies a large, carpeted stockroom—air-conditioned not just for comfort, but to protect the artwork stored within. This space was purpose-built to house the overflow: pieces not currently on display are carefully arranged along the walls and floors, ready to rotate into the spotlight. From the outset, the gallery was created to deliver a strong visual and sensory experience. Colour, contrast, texture, and form are all part of the atmosphere.
It’s not just about viewing art—it’s about feeling immersed in it.
That commitment to impact and innovation is central to the 19 Karen ethos, and something the team takes pride in achieving.
The gallery is open to the public during business hours, including access to the Director’s Private Gallery, Terri Lew, offering a more intimate look at selected works.
The Art
19 Karen represents over 75 artists, both local and international, working across a wide range of contemporary styles. Urban and street art, pop art, expressionism, abstract, realism, surrealism, and pop surrealism all find a place here. The diversity of genres is unified within a single white warehouse structure, complete with high raked ceilings and natural light that enhances every detail.
Meet Gallery Director Terri Lew.
After selling her successful tourist magazines, Terri Lew found she was not yet ready to retire. Driven by a long-held dream, she set her sights on opening an art gallery where she could discover and support artists from across the globe. Her vision was to create a platform that would allow emerging talent to shine and flourish in their chosen fields.
This dream came to life in 2008 with the opening of 19 Karen Contemporary Artspace. Over the next seventeen years, the gallery experienced significant growth, establishing itself as one of the leading contemporary galleries in Australia.
Initially, 19 Karen was founded with the intention of promoting and nurturing up-and-coming artists who had not yet been represented by commercial galleries. Many of these artists have since gone on to achieve considerable success, attracting the attention of collectors and other galleries. Terri Lew remains dedicated to unearthing innovative new Australian and international artists, seeking out diverse and exceptional talents capable of surprising and exciting art lovers.
Terri Lew’s Approach to Collecting Art
Terri’s selection of art is deeply personal, reflecting her own tastes. She shares straightforward advice for art buyers:
“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.”
How did you start collecting art?
This is the first painting I ever bought 40 years ago…..
40 years ago (approx) I picked up my 2 young kids from school and on the way home I dropped by the Gold Coast City Gallery (now called HOTA) to see high school students annual exhibition called ‘ Energies’.
As I entered the gallery I was immediately drawn to this painting.
It is important to note that at the age of 35 with 2 young children, a mortgage and no savings in the bank to speak of, I could not afford to buy art and especially when my then husband was an artist – a good one I might add!
However, something happened to me that day. Each time I walked away from the painting to leave the gallery, I was drawn back to it. The person in the painting was following me with his eyes, just like the Mona Lisa did when I saw her at the Louvre. I just couldn’t walk away from the painting and after my third attempt, I had to ask a volunteer member of staff if the painting was for sale and if so how much would the artist accept for it…
The young man went to the back of the gallery, made a phone call and came back with the answer. Yes, the artist will sell the painting. She wants $150. I immediately agreed!
When it was time to collect the painting, I asked my then husband if he would help me pick up the painting and bring it home. He said “it was a piece of ****! “ and flatly refused to help me.
Little did he know how much more determined that made me!
At the time I had a roof rack on my Gemini (an Australian car no longer in production) I strapped this big painting to the roof of my car and drove in first gear all the way home on a windy day whilst holding the painting outside the window with one hand and the other hand was steering the wheel. Today, I would be booked for driving this way…
Needless to say that my husband was not happy when I arrived home with the painting – but the painting lasted longer than my marriage and it is proudly hanging in our packing room in the gallery.
That’s how I started my journey into collecting art…
Virtually view Terri’s Private Art collection: Here
Pictured above: 2024 Lester Prize Finalist Painting
‘Terri Lew’
Oil on canvas
150 x 95 cm
Proudly painted by Caitlyn Taylor
