The story of the gallery began in the Netherlands in 2017 under the name CS Gallery, named after the founder’s two daughters, Chloe and Sophia. Later, it was renamed to CJS Gallery, after their son Johny was born.

The brand has grown into a franchise with locations in Cyprus and Belgium. This year, the owner Jordy Serno moved from Holland to the Algarve, making their showroom in Loulé the main gallery.

The showroom officially opened in September 2024 and as the business quickly grew, they decided to buy land to build a larger exhibition space.

The people behind the Gallery

At the showroom, I was welcomed by Priscilla, who speaks fluent Portuguese, English and Dutch. Priscilla has lived in the Algarve for nearly forty years, so we can say all her life, as her parents moved from the Netherlands when she was a baby. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, she already had a lot of experience with sales from the family business when her cousin, the owner of CJS Gallery, invited her to help establish a business in Portugal.

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Jordy knows the Algarve well, as he used to come here for holiday every summer. On his last trip, he found the right space for his gallery in Loulé, and after a year, plans to expand are already underway.

I was fascinated by all the pieces in the showroom. As Priscilla explains, they offer something for everyone. Paintings, sculptures, original artworks, mixed-media and photography. From sculptures of beloved characters such as Mickey or Minnie Mouse decorated with Swarovski crystals made by a Dutch artist, to sculptures of luxury designer handbags, the collection is bold, playful, and unconventional. Alongside these, there are also classical and abstract works.

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It’s not easy to choose just a few pieces that I found most interesting, but I’ll try to describe some of the highlights I saw in the showroom.

“Ethereal Cuber-Punk-Da” is a panda sculpture with a rebellious, punk-inspired edge, created by artist Pawel Borzym. What makes it truly unique is the material; it’s built from recycled bullets and shotgun shells. Objects once linked to destruction are transformed here into something creative and meaningful.

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The panda itself, a symbol of softness and peace, contrasts sharply with the metallic bullets, creating a powerful message about opposites. According to the artist, the world is full of extremes: the same bullet can take a life, but it can also save one. This duality gives the sculpture an emotional depth that goes far beyond its striking appearance.

Challenging boundaries

Pawel’s work challenges traditional boundaries between beauty and brutality, playfulness and provocation. The panda, a universally beloved creature, takes on a new identity here: futuristic, raw, and unexpectedly powerful.

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Desire of secret needs is one-of-a-kind masterpiece sculpture in the form of a secure vault done by Cobelentsz. Within its crystalline walls lies a curated collection of luxurious artefacts that symbolise tales of wealth and power.

As already mentioned above, Giant Mickey Mouse, a one-of-a-kind edition made of resin, 170cm tall, and featuring over 1.2 million Swarovski crystals, made by Angela Gomes who collaborates with Swarovski. Many of her masterpieces are based on classic films or past events. Angela transforms canvases and sculptures into mesmerizing spectacles.

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“Blow My Mind” by James Chiew is a contemporary sculpture, limited to just 15 editions worldwide, symbolising a bold statement on the power of creativity and the human spirit. The piece shows a man in a formal suit with a cloud-like head. This contrast reflects the tension between logic and imagination, control and freedom. His structured outfit suggests discipline, while the dreamlike head represents creativity, emotions, and the subconscious.

James Chiew’s images and paintings capture the imagination through colour, shape, and text. A sculpture or painting by this author separates you from reality.

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Another standout in the collection is the Kate Moss Vanity Fair Magazine cover by Floyd Douglas. He combines traditional art techniques with modern design to create a textured, three-dimensional effect. Instead of feeling like a flat picture, the portrait almost comes to life, pulling you into Kate Moss’s world with incredible depth and realism.

CJS Gallery attracts a wide mix of clients. Some are men looking for pieces to decorate “man caves”, women and families seeking unique home décor, and even hotels and offices in need of bold lobby art. The gallery is also a wholesaler for galleries and luxury home furnishing stores. It’s the perfect place for anyone who loves modern, edgy, or sustainable art.

CJS offers space to both established and emerging artists, offering a wide variety of styles for every taste.

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Customer reactions

What Priscilla enjoys the most about her job is seeing the reaction of people when they visit the showroom. Many are surprised to discover art that feels maybe a little different than what they have seen in other galleries. Reactions are very positive, and even with everyone having different tastes, in CJS Gallery, there is a large variety of art and everyone can find something that suits their taste.

The gallery also collaborates with interior designers, who give you personalised advice on the right type and size of artwork for your interior. You can also share photos or videos of the space you have and Rafael, the gallery’s marketing specialist, will create a visualisation with your chosen art piece already being a part of your house.

Partnership

CJS collaborates with two hotels in the Douro Valley, Quinta da Pacheca and Quinta do Barrilário, where they host exclusive exhibitions.

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The Gallery is open for everybody, even if you are currently not planning to purchase. You can come and see something new, and I can guarantee you will have a positive experience. Still, you might find a piece you would like to buy, as this gallery offers modern art for every budget.

Worldwide reach

Through their extensive online store and collaboration with online art platforms Artsy and Artsper, CJS Gallery sells worldwide. All pieces come with a Certificate of Authenticity from the artist and an official invoice from the gallery. You can also make an appointment to speak personally with Priscilla to help you select an artwork to add the special touch to your interior.

Contact us here:

Quatro estradas de Loulé, Loja B

8100-321 São Clemente

Algarve/ Portugal

info@cjsgallery.pt

+351 965 640 773