Roger Palmer Artist & Emeritus Professor of Fine Art University of Leeds, UK

“In an impressive career as an artist and art dealer, Alastair has accumulated extensive knowledge and experience in making, exhibiting, marketing and collecting contemporary art. He is widely respected in South Africa and further afield for the depth of his understanding in developing works of art from studio beginnings to museum displays.”  

Lien Botha Award winning Artist & Author Cape Town, ZA

The contemporary art world is a loose network of overlapping subcultures held together by a belief in art. 1)

“Alastair Whitton is one of those rare cultural creatures who has maintained this credence for three decades. During his time as art director at Barnard Gallery, I had the pleasure of experiencing his astute artistry as curator, project manager and diplomatic negotiator; presenting significant exhibitions and projects both locally and internationally in the cultural capitals of London, Paris, Basel, and New York. Throughout the decade in which Alastair managed my relationship with Barnard Gallery, he produced two excellent catalogues for my solo shows Yonder (2014) and Lost in Translation (2021). Further to this, he achieved record sales for my work and involved me in twenty-five meticulously curated group shows from Then & Now: Conversations in Time (2015) to After Nature, a collaboration with artist Jaco van Schalkwyk (2023) Black Box Consulting, his new initiative, encapsulates the critical aspects of functioning in our brave new world. I believe that his in-depth knowledge of the system which defines the fine art industry is going to be a vital requisite in this contemporary landscape.”

1) Seven Days in the Art World, Sarah Thornton, Granta, 2008

Jeremy Wafer Artist & Former Professor of Fine Art University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, ZA

“I have known and worked with Alastair Whitton as a student, colleague, artist and gallerist over a period of thirty five years. He is consistently integrous, highly talented and committed to the highest standards, both as a person and as an art world professional.” 

Andrew Putter Artist, Educator & Founding Director Putter School, Cape Town, ZA

“Alastair brings decades of broad experience in the art world to his professional work. He is one of Cape Town‘s go-to people when it comes to anything art related – from collaborating with and promoting artists to curating exhibitions which he has done on both a local and international stage.”

Richard Mudariki Artist & Founding Director artHARARE, Cape Town, ZA

“Working with Alastair over 6 years has been a rewarding experience. His curatorial insight, professionalism, and deep knowledge of the contemporary art scene in Africa have been invaluable to my practice. I highly recommend his expertise.”

Maurizio Donzelli Artist, Brescia, IT

“I had the opportunity to work with Barnard Gallery in Cape Town for a number of years where Alastair was the Art Director. I can certainly attest to his professionalism and efficiency, especially in facilitating and resolving the various logistical challenges we encountered given the considerable distance between Italy and South Africa.” 

Jaco van Schalkwyk Artist & Ampersand Fellow

“I have had the privilege of working with Alastair through much of my career. Alongside Chris Barnard, he has been a true mentor — steadfast in his guidance and generous in his vision. He has been instrumental in shaping my presence in both the South African art world and abroad, and I treasure the many long conversations we have shared: exploring new ideas, mapping out exhibition spaces, and imagining the possibilities of installations. I have learned so much from his specialist artistic vision, and I am honoured that he was involved in publishing my work in at least three Barnard Gallery publications. Under his creative direction, both locally and abroad, I presented several significant projects, including my solo exhibitions: I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things (2013), Eden (2015), Arcadia at the Joburg Art Fair (2016), -arium, (2017) Nemora at Volta Art Fair, Basel (2018), A Land I Name Yesterday in collaboration with Jenna Burchell and Wayne Mathews (2019), Smoke and Mirrors (2021), Survey (2022) at the William Humphreys Art Gallery and After Nature in collaboration with Lien Botha (2023). Working with Alastair has been both a privilege and a joy—an enduring influence on my artistic journey for which I remain deeply grateful.”

Jo Hummel Artist, Isle of Wight, UK

“Alastair curated and marketed my solo exhibition Looking Out at Barnard Gallery in Cape Town to the highest standard, securing a magazine interview and facilitating the acquisition of a work by a high profile collection. This acquisition was later included in a museum exhibition, significantly elevating the visibility and impact of my practice.”

Frank Kilbourn CEO, The Kilbourn Collection Cape Town, ZA

“Alastair’s deep knowledge of the art world, coupled with his impeccable eye and professionalism, make him an invaluable partner for any project in the creative industry. Under his guidance our collection grew in new and exciting directions and became more contemporary and impactful.  We have a deep respect for his opinion and expertise and enjoyed dealing with Alastair, him always being extremely professional, enthusiastic and accessible.”

Lee Stoetzel Director, The West Collection, Philadelphia, US 

“We had a great experience collecting with Alastair at the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in New York City, he is a great communicator and he’s passionate about African artists.  Our experience was that he took the time with us to explain the artist in depth, elucidating both their concepts and creative process, and from there we could make the best decision regarding which pieces to acquire. He helped us in all manner of the transaction, including smart logistics to receive the artworks.”  

Simon Draper Collector, London, UK

“I have known Alastair for twenty years. We first met in the art world at the David Krut Gallery in South Africa, and he has since become a friend. Alastair helped me source my South African art collection, and I trust his judgment, knowledge, and taste in art without hesitation.”

Adam Fletcher Collector, Cape Town, ZA

”From 2013 to 2024, Alastair Whitton led the curatorial vision at Barnard Gallery, with a real talent for spotting young, emerging artists. Thanks to his eye for such talent, I discovered several incredible artists whose work I bought. Under his guidance, the gallery became a place where you could experience bold, original voices before they hit the wider scene. Alastair’s legacy at Barnard Gallery was not just in the exhibitions he curated, but in the connections he built between artists, collectors, and the broader community.”

Pierre Lombart Founding Director Southern African Fellowship for Contemporary Art (SAFFCA) Brussels, BEL

“Anyone who has had the pleasure of engaging with Alastair knows of his many talents - unique in the complexity of the global contemporary art scene. He has always taken the time to inform and guide us in navigating the South African art world. Alastair has introduced Lynn and I to many emerging, as well as established artists with the requisite insight to support our investment. It has always been a privilege to engage him and we can fully recommend him to anyone looking for assistance navigating the contemporary art ecosystem.”  

Dr Paul Bayliss Absa Bank Senior Art & Museum Curator Johannesburg, ZA

“I have had the privilege of having known and worked with Alastair in varying capacities in the visual arts over the past 15 years. I would highly recommend him to anyone wishing to either look at advancing their career as an artist; or if you are interested in diversifying your investment portfolio, investing in South African artists, and building up an art portfolio. Alastair is a consummate professional. He has a rich knowledge of South African artists and a deep understanding based on experience of the South African visual arts sector, both locally and abroad. I would highly recommend him in helping you to walk the journey and can confirm that you will be in good hands.”

Chris Barnard Founding Director Barnard Gallery, Cape Town, ZA

“Working with Alastair has always been an inspiring and seamless experience. His deep knowledge of the art world, paired with his thoughtful approach and integrity, makes him an invaluable asset for any creative or collector. Whether it’s navigating acquisitions, curating meaningful exhibitions, or supporting artists in their professional journey, Alastair brings a rare mix of vision, professionalism and genuine care to every project.”

Lucy MacGarry Curator, Co-Founder & Director Latitudes Online & RMB Latitudes Art Fair Johannesburg, ZA

"Having worked alongside Alastair for over five years at David Krut Projects, where he expertly curated the Cape Town gallery, I can attest to his exceptional professionalism, deep market knowledge, and remarkable ability in sales and collector relationship management. His curatorial vision also consistently led to standout exhibitions during his time heading Barnard Gallery, where his careful approach to artist management was highly valued. With his proven track record and strong client following, I have no doubt that Black Box Consulting will be a resounding success, and I eagerly anticipate collaborating with him through Latitudes Online and RMB Latitudes Art Fair."

Nick Henshilwood Founding Director Hang It Now, Cape Town, ZA

“I’ve worked alongside Alastair for over 20 years, and we’ve collaborated on many exhibitions and art shows during that time. I’ve always been impressed by his deep industry knowledge, curatorial insight, and unwavering professionalism. Black Box Consulting brings together his extensive experience and thoughtful approach,  a true asset to anyone navigating the art world.”

Ashraf Jamal Author & Research Associate in the Visual Identities, Art & Design Research Centre University of Johannesburg, ZA

“Managing creatives, steering culture, nurturing the great bounty of South African Art, bringing along with it a subtle eye for composition, Alastair is incomparable. Artist, broker, diplomat, dealer, he continues to have an enduring impact on our lives.”