Power of Art

Sally Eugenia Schwartz is a young voice in the contemporary art collecting circuit. Forging her own path as a dynamic young collector within South Asia.Power of Art host Sneha Shah speaks with London-based collector, tech entrepreneur, and MoMA International Council member Sally Eugenia Schwartz about how she built a personal collection rooted in South Asian contemporary art. The conversation explores how her family’s collecting history shaped her eye, why she treats collecting as a form of artistic practice, and how she balances intuition, research, and discipline when buying work. Sally also shares how she discovers artists through collections, studios, Instagram, and regional fairs, plus how she thinks about pricing, gallery relationships, and living with art in a 600 square foot apartment. If you care about collecting, artist patronage, or simply learning how to look more carefully, this episode offers a clear, practical lens.In this episode, we go deeper, key insights:* Collecting is not about ownership, it is about stewardship* The best collections are built by honouring an artist over time, not by chasing market signals* Taste is trained by immersion, not by theory* A collector should act like a patron, not a negotiator* Buying young artists is a bet on seriousness, not pedigree* Great art should express itself before you can explain it* Living with art is a curatorial practice, not a storage problemStay Connected:Follow Sneha Shah: Instagram | LinkedInFollow Sally Eugenia Schwartz: Instagram | LinkedInSubscribe to The Power of Art so you never miss an episode. Get full access to Sneha’s Substack at snehashahart.substack.com/subscribe

What does nature smell like, taste like, feel like to you? Can you feel the call to change and transform? Our planet is a breathing one, it holds memory, always guiding if only we choose to listen. The hand-pan to me is a sacred instrument, one of remembrance, womanhood, and grace, it connects deeply to the frequencies of healing and reverberations of earths natural order. This is the first track of many to come, I hope you enjoy this track and it helps bring some peace and quietude. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! This is a part of a new video series I’m launching on youtube in addition to Power of Art podcast. Get full access to Sneha’s Substack at snehashahart.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Power of Art, art expert and host Sneha Shah speaks with Ellen Winner about her book 'How Art Works' and delves into the psychology of art. Ellen shares insights on the universal and cultural impact of art, touching on its evolutionary debated significance, its role in mental well-being, and the concept of creativity. Ellen also explores how digital media and AI are transforming the art world and emphasizes the importance of valuing and nurturing children's artistic gifts. Ellen highlights art's capacity to create meaning and offer profound reflections on life.In this episode:The Universality and Psychology of ArtEvolutionary Perspectives on ArtCreativity: Innate or Learned?Art's Role in Therapy and WellbeingDigital Media and the Future of ArtStay Connected:Follow Sneha Shah: Instagram | LinkedInFollow Ellen Winner: Instagram | LinkedInSubscribe to The Power of Art so you never miss an episode. Get full access to Sneha’s Substack at snehashahart.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Power of Art, art expert and host Sneha Shah speaks with June Mineyama-Smithson, who shares her inspiring journey from working in the airline industry to becoming a web and graphic designer, and ultimately evolving into an artist known for her bold and optimistic designs. She shares how her unique path has shaped her understanding of creativity and personal growth, and elaborates on her artistic platform 'Mamu,' explaining its origins and her mission to spread optimism through vibrant patterns and colors. June also dives into her collaboration with neuroscientist Dr. Tara Swart, where they explored the intersection of art and science to induce happiness through visual art, and discussed the significance of storytelling in art and design. Stay to the end for June’s insights on overcoming creative blocks and integrating beauty and optimism into everyday life - a much needed inspo for many artists.In this episode:June's Career Journey & The Birth of MamuFinding Inspiration in Everyday LifeSpreading Optimism Through ArtThe Science Behind Art and EmotionsNavigating Creative Blocks with Meditation and PerspectiveArt and Neuroscience CollaborationDream Project CollaborationCombining Art and Science & Creating Optimistic ArtworkArt as a Collectible ExperienceStorytelling in Art and DesignBlending Heritage with Modern LifeChallenges and Optimism in Today's WorldStay Connected:Follow Sneha Shah: Instagram | LinkedInFollow June Mineyama-Smithson: Instagram | LinkedInSubscribe to The Power of Art so you never miss an episode. Get full access to Sneha’s Substack at snehashahart.substack.com/subscribe

Exploring the Science of Beauty with Prof. Semir ZekiIn this episode of Power of Art, art expert and host Sneha Shah speaks with Prof. Semir Zeki about his research in the field of neuroaesthetics, a branch of neurobiology focused on understanding the neural mechanisms behind the experience of beauty. He shares personal anecdotes that spurred his interest in the field and delves into how neuroscience can explain subjective experiences of beauty, emotional responses to art, and the universal aspects of aesthetic appreciation. The discussion touches on the influence of cultural and biological factors on perceptions of beauty, the therapeutic potential of art, and the future of neuroaesthetics in understanding human pleasure and wellbeing.In this episode:What is Neuroaesthetics?Transcendental Experiences in ArtBiological Beauty and EvolutionFickle Collectors and the Value of ArtGut Feelings and Art AppreciationDefining Beauty in Neurobiological TermsThe Universality of Beauty Across CulturesThe Role of Neuroaesthetics in Understanding BeautyArt's Healing Properties and Mental WellbeingThe Intersection of Architecture and BeautyThe Future of NeuroaestheticsThe Neuroscience of Beauty and CreativityStay Connected:Follow Sneha Shah: Instagram | LinkedIn Follow Prof. Semir Zeki's work here.Subscribe to The Power of Art so you never miss an episode. Get full access to Sneha’s Substack at snehashahart.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Power of Art, art expert and host Sneha Shah speaks with Willow Kemp, a celebrated interior architect, design director, and art curator. They discuss Willow's background and journey in art and design, including her education at Cambridge and the K Academy. Willow shares insights on how she approaches art as a placemaking tool, her creative process, and her work with Firmdale Hotels and Kit Kemp Design Studio. The conversation delves into topics like curating art for hospitality spaces, collaborating with artists, and the importance of emotional resonance in design. Both offer practical advice on starting an art collection and the value of pursuing what you love.In this episode:A Journey in Art and DesignWillow's Personal Relationship with ArtThe Power of Art in Transforming SpacesChildhood Inspirations and Early Art ExperiencesFrom Architecture to Sculpture: Willow's Educational PathMerging Artistic Practices in Interior DesignThe Ethos of Kit Kemp Design StudioCurating Art for Hospitality SpacesCollaborations and CommissionsEmotional Impact of Art and DesignChampioning Emerging ArtistsRevisiting and Refreshing Art in HotelsPersonal Creative Journey and ChallengesGuided Art Tours and Public EngagementLegacy and Lasting Impact of ArtStay Connected:Follow Sneha Shah: Instagram | LinkedInFollow Willow Kemp: Instagram | LinkedInSubscribe to The Power of Art so you never miss an episode. Get full access to Sneha’s Substack at snehashahart.substack.com/subscribe