Welcome to Industry Insider—our new bi-weekly series where we pick the brains of inspiring women shaping the creative world, from artists to curators, and everything in between.
This week, meet Adele Smejkal
You might know her as @adele.sme, the art-world globetrotter lighting up your feed with gallery gems and museum must-sees. Behind the grid, she’s the founder of Artistellar, a nomadic gallery championing the most exciting emerging voices in contemporary art.
Founded in 2022, Artistellar is known for its bold curatorial eye, with a strong focus on female artists and socially engaged talent. Alongside international pop-ups, Adele runs Artistellar’s Incubator, a selective platform mentoring early-career artists, and offers bespoke advisory services for new-gen collectors.
From wrapping paintings to curating shows, Adele’s role is hands-on and ever-evolving. Here, we ask her all the important questions to get a glimpse into a day in her life, from coffee rituals to career curveballs.
HOW I FOUND MYSELF IN THIS JOB…
I was working at Sotheby’s auction house when I first started thinking about emerging art. I started going to artists studios, small galleries, researching and reading a lot about entrepreneurs in the art industry and I just remember thinking it would be so cool and fulfilling to actually start something on my own.
MY MORNING KICKS OFF…
My alarm goes off at 7am usually and I always have to start the day with a big cup of coffee.
MY KEY RESPONSIBILITIES…
When you have your own business you wear so many hats, from researching artists, keeping your accounts in order to wrapping a tape around a painting. Everything is a pillar on its own.
THE MOST IMPORTANT SKILLS FOR MY ROLE ARE…
Having an ‘eye’ for artists is one thing but convincing someone to buy an artwork by an emerging artist is another. It requires patience and resilience. Running your own business in the art world is not easy.
THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT MY JOB IS…
There is so much that no one sees, especially during a physical exhibitions, I have a very small team so I end up doing literally everything. At some point I was even tearing a moulding from a wall. Also, people sometimes think that Instagram is my source of ‘living’ – some think that posting about art is my career ( if someone were paying me for that I would not be running a nomadic gallery and advisory haha). Some think that having a slightly bigger following ensures you that you sell out all your artworks. It definitely doesn’t work like that.
THE BEST PART OF MY JOB IS…
Curating a show! From developing the concept, choosing the artist to installation day. The feeling of having everything come together on the walls is amazing.MY SIGNATURE STYLE AT WORK…
My work outfits are usually quite simple but I always have one statement piece – jewellery, shoes or bag. It’s about accessories!
HOW I UNWIND AFTER WORK…
I love books, so it would be reading a non art related book or going for a run or to the gym.
MY PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL MOMENT SO FAR…
I wouldn’t say I only have one single moment but I’m very proud of a couple of artists whose career I helped to shaped and what we have achieved together. And when I place a piece to a great collection that’s a cherry on top.
To learn more about Adele and keep up with her career journey, follow her on Instagram here and plus the @artistellar_gallery here, and explore the website at artistellar.com.
