Who we are
The Artentika Story
Our art research project started in 2008, when we realized that there was an urgent need to develop tools to help protect the art world from pervasive fraud. Artentika (Pty) Limited was incorporated in South Africa in 2017 and invented a groundbreaking art authentication solution patented in the United States in 2022. Uniquely, it is multi-modal and combines several cutting-edge technologies in the field of image and materials analysis with data-driven approaches. Artificial Intelligence also plays a role, but AI is not a silver bullet and cannot be relied upon in isolation. In effect, the true value of science for the realm of art lies in complementing, not replacing, the expertise of art historians, conservators, and appraisers. We pioneered further groundbreaking technologies to expose forgeries, establish accurate ownership histories, and safeguard the true value of artworks.
The Team
We have built a multi-disciplinary team of nine world-class professionals with impressive track records in the field of art, business, culture and technology. They stand ready to execute our business plan and create value for shareholders. Four of them hold PhDs in a variety of fields:
- Imaging Spectroscopy
- Hyperspectral Data
- Synthetic Chemistry
- Photogrammetry
Our Chief Heritage Scientist, Carolien Coon, is finalizing her doctoral thesis on “Photodegradation and nanotechnology-based conservation”.
Mr Albertus Geldenhuys
Founder & CEO
Geldenhuys has bachelor’s degrees in economics, languages, and ethnology. A self-taught IT specialist, he invented, co-invented and patented various technologies to detect and prevent fraud, notably in the field of art, pharmaceuticals, and biometrics. Artentika’s art authentication technology was conceived and patented by him. Geldenhuys is bilingual in Afrikaans and English, fluent in French and German and intermittent in Italian.
Prof Roxanne Radpour
Art Technology Advisor
Prof. Radpour is a specialist in imaging spectroscopy and non-destructive chemical and physical sensing technologies. For over 10 years her research has been focused on research, development, and application of imaging systems, data science, and scientific analysis of various types of cultural heritage. Her work in conservation science, technical art history, and archaeometry helps build our understanding of material heritage and allows us to respond to art conservation queries. She also uses her research as a means to engage and teach students in the sciences, engineering, and art conservation.
Mrs Sixtine Crutchfield
Art Commerce Executive
A renowned figure in the world of Fine Arts with over 25 years of experience. She graduated at the University of Denver with a Bachelor’s in Mass Communication including History of Art and History of Theatre. Her first job was with the world-famous Jan Krugier gallery in Geneva where she became a proficient art dealer. Moving to Australia, she obtained a Corporate Law degree from the University of Sydney. In 2003, Krugier invited her to become the Managing Director of his gallery. She also headed Yves Bouvier’s Art Culture Studio, the firm that ran the Moscow World Fine Art Fair in 2004. She speaks fluent English, French, and German.
Dr Tania Kleynhans
Chief Scientist
An expert in Hyperspectral Data and Machine Learning. She is the co-inventor of Artentika’s art authentication solution. Kleynhans also focuses on remote sensing and its applications in various fields, including heritage science and environmental monitoring. She has authored numerous publications and presented her work at conferences worldwide. Her research interests include the development of low-cost multispectral imaging systems for pigment analysis in works of art, the recovery of damaged or faded historical documents, and the validation of surface temperature data from satellite sensors. Kleynhans is fluent in Afrikaans and English.
Mr Walter Heymans
Chief AI Scientist
He has a Master of Engineering (cum laude) in Computer Engineering and is skilled in Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Automatic Speech Recognition, and Computer Vision. Heymans is closely involved in perfecting our authentication technologies and developed the One2One© verification solution. He is bilingual in Afrikaans and English.
Dr Fred Scott
Chief Research Officer
As Artentika’s Chief Research Officer, Dr. Fred Scott integrates high-level scientific rigour with art expertise to lead the company’s broad-ranging research activities. Holding a PhD in Chemistry and receiver of a Max Planck Fellowship, he leverages a background in technology transfer to transform complex laboratory data into reliable, evidence-based conclusions.
By combining traditional connoisseurship with advanced methods like pigment analysis and multispectral imaging, Dr. Scott ensures Artentika’s findings meet the rigorous standards required by practitioners and institutions.
Mr Björn Quellenberg
Executive Adviser
A seasoned communications and marketing professional, Björn Quellenberg brings over 20 years of experience to Artentika after heading the communications strategy of Kunsthaus Zürich. A strategic thinker and skilled communicator, Björn has a proven track record of building strong relationships with stakeholders and delivering impactful results. Björn has an MBA in Communication & Leadership, a Master’s in Cultural Science, and a Bachelor’s in Media Economics and Communication Science. He is fluent in German, English and French.
Dr Carine Laurent
Chief Marketing Officer
Mrs Margreta de Boer
Company Secretary
She worked in senior positions in banking in Switzerland, the Bahamas and Malta for more than 24 years. Inter alia, she is experienced in due diligence, compliance, asset allocation and investment funds. She is fluent in Dutch, English, Italian and German.
Dr Nick van der Merwe
Chief Information Officer
He has a PhD in Engineering and is an ardent art lover. His thesis is on an image matching scheme for use in the field of close-range photogrammetry. Van der Merwe has extensive knowledge and experience in image processing, biometrics, smartcards, PKI, RFID and information security. He concentrates on art verification, curation and restoration. Van der Merwe is a bilingual English and Afrikaans speaker.
Mr Albi Geldenhuys
Director of Social Media and Art History Research
Geldenhuys graduated in 2025 in Business Management and German at The Open University, London. Since 2021, Albi has been active in Artentika in art historical research and in 2024 assumed responsibility for the development and maintenance of the Artentika systems and website. He is fluent in Italian, English and Afrikaans, and intermediate in German and French.