Rococo founder Maria Vogel shares her favorite shots from the occasion and details the afternoon soiree.
Each of the artists highlighted in this Rococinco share an element of world building within their practices. I’d like to think that we similarly created our own little world within the experience, where storytelling, great food and drink, and engaging guests came together to celebrate Pauline, Yesiyu, Caroline, Clare, and Arcmanoro, through three original drinks and two dishes.
Alongside the guests of honor (minus Caroline!). Many of the artists were fans of one another’s work without having previously met. A large part of Rococinco’s purpose is to create connection amongst the guests and artists. Being able to create a space where artists are also connecting with each other is the cherry on top of that.
This was the second Rococinco where I was fortunate to partner with Ten To One who conceived of three delightful and original drink recipes inspired by Pauline, Yesiyu, and Caroline. Ten To One is reinvigorating rum by expanding preconceived ideas of what the spirit can create, the cocktails from Rococinco being no exception. Pictured here are Ten to One Founder Marc Farrell and (left) CMO Georgia Zeavin (right), alongside stylist Alexis Badiyi (center).
My friend and style icon Alexis Badiyi, getting the beachside memo with her look.
I have the honor of speaking to guests about each artist, providing context into the nuances of their practices. The culinary partner then describes how they envisioned the artwork into their creations, which, in this instance, was Ten To One’s in-house mixologist and Stephanie Williams, executive chef of Rooted.
Have you ever seen a prettier beet salad? This dish was inspired by Arcmanoro’s work. Speaking of the event, he shared, “It was great to have a moment to celebrate and connect with artists at Rococinco. I loved meeting the chef and hearing how each artist inspired the dishes she made. It was wonderful how Maria celebrated the artists but also highlighted the artistry of the chef.”
Guests mingled while enjoying the perfect summer palette of sips and bites.
A divine spread. Caroline said it perfectly with her observation: “I love that painting as a sensory experience is translated into taste and flavor. There are an unlimited number of possibilities. I often think songs remind me of certain paintings and vice versa – now I will think of taste as well.”
Guests came from as far as Mumbai and as close as neighboring towns. Escaping the New York City urban sprawl and basking in the nearby nature that Montauk provides felt like the ideal way to highlight the summer season.
I’m still dreaming of Pauline’s custom drink. Many of the artists who have been apart of Rococinco are not only some of my favorites working today, they also happen to be my friends, Pauline included. She affectionately shared, “I was introduced to Maria through a mutual friend and from the moment we met, I’ve felt such warmth and care. I’ve always felt Rococo was very artist focused, with Maria’s relationship with me feeling very genuine. Rococinco is no exception – intimate and lovely with Maria creating such good vibes while threading and explaining my and all the artist’s work together so poetically.”
In anything I do within the art world, I’m always trying to invite more and more people in. It’s important to me to make sure the Rococinco guest list is reflective of different walks of life, professions, backgrounds, etc. in order to create an occasion of discovery for all.
Artists (and best friends) Hyegyeong Choi and Yesiyu Zhao. Though a guest this time around, HyeGyeong was featured in a past Rococinco, her delectable work inspiring the dessert course. Yesiyu is holding their custom drink, which incorporated layers of flavor to pay homage to the layers of meaning within the artist’s work. He shared, “Unlike attending a gallery opening or museum gala, the experience with the Rococinco is extra special. Maria celebrates the artists in creative and delicious ways by making food and beverages inspired by them. I was lucky to be one of the artists.”
From henceforth, a regular Aperol spritz just won’t do. Ten To One thought out of the box to create this Sorrel-infused beauty, inspired by Caroline’s work.
Two people I love dearly: dear friend and Director of Operations for Art Production Fund Kathleen Lynch (left) and my cousin Clare Grill (right). Needless to say, when it comes to the painting gene within our family, I leave it to Clare. What a dream to combine our worlds together. Summing up the afternoon, Clare shared, “Maria’s desire to share her experience of art she loves and simply to celebrate those who make it is an act of care. The food was so beautiful and the party so elegant. But this care she has for artists seems the main ingredient.”
Until next Rococinco!
Words by Maria Vogel
