HIGHLIGHTS Art Fair: CEO Juana Schwan in Interview

During the HIGHLIGHTS which is taking place for the 15th time in the historic rooms of the Munich Residence, more than 50 high-caliber international exhibitors are presenting works from Gothic to contemporary art.

The strength of the intimate and exclusive art fair (October 17 – 20) is, among other things, to be a contemporary stage for both old and modern and contemporary art in equal measure. Among others, paintings by Max Liebermann or Lyonel Feininger and modern photo art by Minjung Kim and Vera Mercer can be seen.

The boutique art fair is directed by Juana Schwan. A conversation about very personal highlights and the impact of art on our and her well-being.

What is your highlight of this year's HIGHLIGHTS?

There are so many great artworks at the HIGHLIGHTS. Works by Lucas Cranach, Ernst Wilhelm Nay, from Picasso to a million-dollar sculpture by Donald Judd. But I admit that my heart beats especially for old art.

Everything that is excellently crafted and artistically unique and formative for its time fascinates me.

For example, one of my favorites is a very wildly carved, dragon-adorned Rococo console from Ansbach and a black, very minimalist, Japanese lacquer cabinet from the 17th century.

How can art affect our well-being?

Art evokes emotions. It can be very stimulating or contemplative. The effect of colors on the psyche is scientifically supported. For me personally, engaging with art always means immersing oneself in another time, especially since my preference for art from the 17th to the 20th century prevails.

These are times before digitalization, when everything was a bit slower and less interconnected. There was a concentration on the immediate environment and the object. And despite the spirit of the times that is embedded in it, the great works of art are always universal.

For example, Pieter Elinga’s “The Reading Woman” from the Alte Pinakothek. He is unmistakably a contemporary of Vermeer. His painting is not just a situational depiction from 1665. It speaks of the joy of silence, of the moment of being completely with oneself. Or the Nibelungen Halls in the Munich Residence - eternal myths are depicted there.

© Mark Niedermann

An important concern of the fair is to create a bridge from ancient art through modern art to the present.

As the CEO of the trade fair, you are in high demand almost around the clock, especially during the event - how do you deal with stress?

I love the trade fair time. As soon as the setup begins, I am in "energy mode" and enjoy the bustling activity of all involved - from art dealers and gallery owners to visitors and service personnel - this challenge brings me to peak performance.

I trust that the months of preparations by me and my team have their purpose. I try to stay calm, even when not everything runs perfectly. The greatest stress often comes in the months before the fair, when, like in a large theater production, the schedule is first set up and everyone has to take on their role.

But here, too, I'm slowly learning that scaremongering doesn't help. Good preparation and analysis of what can happen in the worst case help. Then you know how to act.

© Mark Niedermann

The HIGHLIGHTS takes the top position among the significant trade fairs in the German-speaking region.

How do you keep fit?

Or rather, my dog keeps me fit. I walk a lot with him or go to the mountains. I also ride four to five times a week, depending on how my time allows. Even if that means standing shivering in the barn at 6 a.m. in the winter months. I try to make my everyday life as varied as possible. There's little room for boredom.

Would you share one of your proven nutrition tricks with us?

I follow the Japanese philosophy a little: I eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm full. Over the years, I've developed a good compass for what is good for my body.

I eat little meat and abstain from alcohol completely for at least four months once a year. Additionally, I take a few selected dietary supplements. It's not a complicated "trick," but I feel comfortable with it.

Do you have a guiding principle, a motto, that helps you in challenging times?

I trust in my character strength and ability to reach my goals.

© Bruchhaus

The HIGHLIGHTS takes place at the Munich Residence.