A Conversation with Allan Schwartzman

For more than 30 years, Allan Schwartzman (Schwartzman&) has provided short- and long-term bespoke advice to influential and sophisticated collectors around the world, guiding them in building holdings of modern, post-war, and contemporary art. As a returning member of our Design + Art Advisory Council for the 14th edition of Salon Art + Design, Allan joined us for a rapid-fire round of questions on his favorite art and design spaces, the best questions to ask a dealer or gallerist, and more.

Art + Design Favorites 

If you could add one museum piece to your personal collection, what would it be?

The Tempest by Giorgione. I have viewed this painting dozens of times and its enigmatic qualities continually vex me.

Which design era or movement most inspires you right now?

Scandinavian design from the turn of the 20th century.

Who is an emerging artist or designer you think everyone should know?

The artist Virginia Chihota.

What’s your favorite space you’ve ever visited for its design or art alone?

LeCorbusier’s Notre-Dame du Haut in Ronchamp. And the Pantheon in Rome.

Advice

What’s the best question to ask a dealer or gallerist when considering a piece?

Which artists interest them that are represented by other galleries.

What’s one myth about art or design collecting you’d like to debunk?

Pursuing a consensus view of the “right” works to collect will never form the basis of a great collection.

Plugs

What’s a project from the past year that pushed you creatively?

Working with the Estate of Hannah Wilke to bring greater visibility to her and work and

place great works in important museum collections; so far, so good.