Market Art Fair

In Good Company: Contemporary Art and the Culture of Curiosity at White & Case

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Johan Thiman. Photo by Jean Lapin. Courtesy of White & Case

At its Stockholm office on Biblioteksgatan, global law firm White & Case has created a workplace that reflects not only legal expertise but also a deep appreciation for art and culture. We spoke with Office Executive Partner Johan Thiman about how contemporary art encourages a broader way of thinking – and why a creative mindset has its place in a high-performing legal environment.

When Jim Hurlock was elected Chair of White & Case in 1980 – the first partner to be elected to the role by the firm’s partnership – White & Case embarked on a globalisation strategy that, in 1983, led to the inauguration of its first office in Stockholm.

Since 2007, White & Case’s Stockholm office has been located on Biblioteksgatan, in a historic building originally constructed in 1863 by master builder F.V. Aspengren and later renovated by Lars Israel Wahlman in 1902. During a recent visit, we spoke with Johan Thiman, Office Executive Partner at White & Case Sweden, about the role of art in the workplace – and how a thoughtfully curated environment can foster both culture and creativity, within the firm and beyond.

“At White & Case, we operate in a dynamic and fast-moving environment where precision, problem-solving and adaptability are critical,” says Thiman. “In that context, we believe it’s important to create a workplace that also inspires and recharges. Our office – with its thoughtfully curated collection of contemporary art, selected in partnership with Moderna Samlare – reflects that intention. It’s one of the ways we encourage a broader outlook, and a recognition that having interests beyond the law helps us stay sharp, grounded and engaged.”

 

 

  • Jesper Nyrén, Utan titel #16, 2017. Courtesy of Anna Bohman Gallery. Photo Jean Lapin

He continues: “The Nordics are known for innovation that blends functionality with creativity, whether it’s in design, technology, or sustainability. Contemporary art, with its openness to experimentation and new ideas, naturally complements that mindset. While art isn’t part of every business decision, it can help shape a culture that’s more willing to explore new paths, embrace complexity, and think beyond what’s expected. In a region that values progressive thinking, having room for creative expression – inside or outside of work – can only help drive that forward.”

In a profession where complexity and change are constants, Thiman sees art as one way of maintaining perspective.

  • Joakim Heidwall, Corona #2, #4 & #5, 2015. Photo Jean Lapin

“Our work often involves navigating evolving regulatory landscapes and advising clients in high-stakes situations. In that setting, curiosity and mental agility matter just as much as legal expertise. Engaging with art – like travel, sport, or any passion outside work – is part of how many of us stay balanced. It reminds us there are always different ways to look at a challenge. And that ability to seethings from multiple angles often makes us better at what we do.”

White & Case maintains a strong relationship with the arts globally, most recently through its sponsorship of the Van Gogh exhibition at the National Gallery in London. More than a cultural partnership, the initiative reflected values the firm holds closely: pioneering, united and human, in addition to a commitment to supporting institutions that shape public life.

“We’re proud to be global patrons of the arts, and our sponsorship of the Van Gogh exhibition is a reflection of that commitment. Van Gogh’s portraits speak to something universal – emotion, resilience, humanity – and the opportunity to help bring that work to a global audience felt meaningful. We are proud to be conducting similar initiatives here in the Nordics through our key partnership with Market Art Fair. Supporting impactful cultural institutions like these is one way we give back beyond the legal world. It also reflects our belief that art, a reflection of our culture and society, should be accessible and that creativity – whether in a courtroom, a boardroom, or a gallery – deserves to be universally celebrated.”

  • Blaise Reuterswärd, DL1207, 2018. Photo Jean Lapin
  • Maria Friberg, Still lives #3, 2003. Courtesy of Galleri Flach. Photo Jean Lapin

For Thiman, contemporary art is not just a professional interest but a personal one – a way of engaging with the world beyond the demands of a legal career.

“Like many in this profession, I find it important to have interests outside of work. For me, contemporary art is one of those interests. It offers space to reflect, to shift perspective, to stay connected to ideas beyond the next transaction or legal argument. In a high-performance environment, that kind of balance and opportunity to recharge your batteries isn’t just nice to have – it’s essential. It helps us keep learning, stay human, and bring our best selves to the table.”