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KALASHNIKOVV
M.J Turpin and Maththew Dean Dowdle
Images courtesy of Kalashnikovv Gallery
Founded in 2013 by M.J. Turpin and Matthew Dean Dowdle, Kalashnikovv Gallery has built a reputation for its bold, boundary-pushing approach to contemporary art. Initially based in Johannesburg, the gallery expanded to Cape Town in 2024, extending its reach while staying true to its ethos of championing alternative artistic voices.
From the outset, Kalashnikovv set out to challenge conventional narratives and reshape global perceptions of contemporary African art. Its founders saw the local art scene as overly conservative—what they called “vanilla.” In response, they sought out unrecognised artists whose work was deeply rooted in Johannesburg’s street culture, injecting a new and visceral energy into South Africa’s contemporary art landscape. Over the past decade, the gallery has remained a platform for risk-taking and reinvention, continuously pushing the boundaries of mainstream artistic discourse.
This commitment has led to remarkable success. Among the gallery’s most celebrated artists is Boemo Diale, who has been represented by Kalashnikovv since 2021. Her distinctive vision was recognised on a major scale when she won the prestigious Tomorrow’s/Today Prize at the 2024 Investec Cape Town Art Fair—a testament to the gallery’s unwavering belief in new perspectives and fearless innovation.
Founders and Directors: M.J. Turpin and Matthew Dean Dowdle
ADDRESS
61 Loop Street
Cape Town City Central
8001
RECENT ART FAIRS
Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2025
Untitled Miami 2024
1-54 London 2024
Expo Chicago 2024
Art Brussles 2024
ARt Rotterdam 2024
Investec Cape Town Art Fair
ARTISTS
Alfred Thoba · Abongile Sidzumo · Andrew Kayser · Bastiaan van Steinis · Boemo Diale · Cameron Platter · Cinthia Sifa Mulanga · Charity Vilakazi · Chris Denovan · Conrad Botes · Dominique Cheminais · Farida Sedoc · Jake Michael Singer · Johan Thom · Kylie Wentzel · Marc Edwards · Nico Athene · Ntsako Nkuna · Roger Ballen · Simon-Wald Lasowksi · Theresa-Anne Mackintosh · Thiago Nevs · Tiago Rodrigues · Tyria Naidoo · Wim Legrand · Yolanda Mazwana ·