Much of the art world revolves around questions of value, not just in terms of appraisals and price tags, but also: what is worth your time in These Times, and your energy? , your attention and, yes, your hard-earned money?
What calculations do you make to determine the meaning and value of something? What moves you? What enriches your life? In this new series, we ask individuals from the art world and beyond about the assessments they make on a personal level.
Maria Vogel invites the art world to dinner. The artistic advisor and writer recently launched Rococinco, a dinner series that celebrates five emerging mid-career artists through a five-course meal. These meals are an extension of his art consultancy Rococo, which seeks to build connections through unique modes of storytelling. These dinners are an example of this – visual art taste considerations. Each dish of each dinner finds its inspiration in the practice of an artist, as imagined by a chef. The most recent dinner held in New York during Frieze week took place in the Soho loft of Shelly Socol, former designer of Theory and CEO of One Rockwell. Crafted by sought-after chef Maryah Ananda, the meal featured a mango meringue dessert loaded with strawberry and passion fruit curds that echoes the dreamy sensuality of Korean-born artist HyeGyeong Choi’s citrus-hued canvases.
Such harmonious and thoughtful detail is what Vogel cherishes in all aspects of her life in the art world and when this contemporary Renaissance woman is not orchestrating her next event, writing an article or linking not collectors and artists, she brings equal panache to her day. life today. Whether she’s donning a vintage trench coat given to her by her grandfather, scouting for the perfect Paris apartment for a trip, or celebrating the work of misunderstood, nonagenarian Neapolitan textile artist Isabella Ducrot, Vogel does it with grace and finesse.
Recently, we spoke with Vogel about what she values in art and life, and why.
What’s the last thing you splurged on?
Book the dreamiest Airbnb in Paris for a well-deserved vacation next month.
What are you saving for?
Buy an apartment in Brooklyn and art (always).
What would you buy if you found $100?
I would call a friend and buy him a nice lunch.
‘Last Rococinco dinner at my client Shelly Socol’s Soho loft with food by Maryah Ananda, in partnership with Leatherology. Jono Pandolfi brought his beautiful serving dishes for the evening and my friends from Rasāsvāda prepared drinks for everyone. It really takes a village to put on an event like this and I am so grateful to everyone who helped make it happen,” Vogel said. Photo courtesy of BFA.
What makes you feel like a million bucks?
A perfect spring day in New York.
What do you think is your greatest asset?
My warmth towards others.
What do you appreciate most in a work of art?
That “how the hell did they imagine and execute that feeling” that stops you dead in your tracks.
Who is an emerging artist worthy of everyone’s attention?
Ariana Minai.
Who is an unknown artist who has not yet received his due?
Isabelle Ducrot.
What do you think is the most overrated thing in the art world?
Being on the list of “exclusive” art parties. Nine times out of ten, when I am invited or find my way otherwise, I wish I had gone home.
What is your most valuable asset?
My grandfather’s trench coat. He was the best dressed man I know.
What was your best investment?
Starting my board, Rococo, which has really been an investment in me.
What is something small that means the world to you?
Handwritten notes. I keep notes that mean a lot to me and use them as bookmarks, so all the books on my shelf are filled with hidden treasures.
‘2nd edition of Rococinco in Los Angeles to celebrate Frieze Week. We celebrated at the Botanica. I am here alongside honored artists Greg Ito, Lily Stockman, Aryana Minai, Carlos Jarmillo and Emma Webster,” Vogel said. Courtesy of BFA.
What’s not worth the hype?
Follow trends when collecting art rather than carve out a single, dedicated niche. I don’t think of people who collect in this way as collectors as much as I think of them as trophy hunters.
What do you think is a good cause?
Mental health awareness.
What do you aspire to?
Shake up the pre-existing norms of the art world and live a meaningful life.
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