A gallerist is an owner or operator of an art gallery. Gallerists buy and sell artworks, and they often focus on higher-end pieces that carry premium prices. Gallerists may also work with curators and art dealers to determine which pieces to show.

The primary purpose of an art gallery is to nurture visual artists, promote their work, and expose them to the public, collectors, media, and cultural institutions.

According to Artfundi, galleries will typically receive a commission of 40-50% of the price of the artwork once sold. Many galleries today also charge an exhibition fee to display artists' work, ensuring they receive income regardless of whether artworks are sold.

A commercial gallery is a for-profit business with a transactional model: collectors buy pieces of artwork on display so both the gallery and the artist get a cut of the revenue. These spaces typically curate selective shows based on what's likely to sell (by extension boosting their reputation in the art world).