A Conversation with Shawn Henderson

Shawn Henderson has been a fixture on the international design scene for more than two decades. His work is synonymous with unpretentious luxury, sophistication, and beauty. From his studio in New York City, he has spearheaded an astonishing variety of residential and hospitality projects, each one uniquely responsive to the exigencies of site, context, and the individual spirit of his clients. As a returning member of our Design + Art Advisory Council for the 14th edition of Salon Art + Design, Shawn joined us for a rapid-fire round of questions on emerging designers everyone should know, how he decides when a piece is "worth it," and more.

Art + Design Favorites 

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

A Donald Judd Sculpture—I’ve always admired his clarity and restraint.

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

Nicholas Obeid. His work has a quiet strength that feels both fresh and timeless.

What’s a piece in your collection that always sparks conversation?

Tesfaye Urgessa, Ich Halte Dich Fest Halten II (I Hold You Tight II)—people are always

drawn to its emotional power.

If you could collaborate with any artist or designer, living or dead, who would it be?

Jackson Pollack—I’d commission him to paint wood floors in a project—what an amazing statement.

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

The Clark. Its architecture and curation are equally moving.

Advice

What’s a lesson you learned the hard way in collecting or curating?

I’ve sometimes acted too spontaneously out of fear of missing out, only to realize later I

didn’t fully love the piece. I’ve learned to trust my gut—it never fails me.

How do you decide when a piece is “worth it”?

It’s always a mix of instinct and research: the strength of my emotional response paired with understanding the works context.

Plugs

What’s next on your own creative or collecting horizon?

My taste in art is shifting—I find myself increasingly drawn to abstract geometric pieces.