A Day in the Life: Maria Vogel

Leatherology recently partnered with Maria Vogel, and her art advisory, Rococo, for the third iteration of their Rococinco dinner series. Over the course of the evening, guests enjoyed a five-course meal inspired by five contemporary artists and celebrated the start of this year’s Frieze New York.  

 

Maria, whose experience in the art world spans nearly every corner of the industry, founded Rococo to further the stories of artists. Her advisory specializes in identifying exceptional pieces by artists working at various stages within the art world and placing them in well-matched homes.

 

Last week, as the art world descended upon New York, Maria took us along for the ride, with Leatherology bag in hand, bouncing between fairs, and visiting artist studios. Here she shares a few highlights during one of the busiest weeks in the art calendar! 

 

What most mornings look like. My dog Millie staying cozy in bed as long as she can.

 

I try to read every morning before diving into work. This morning while enjoying breakfast, I’m reading the latest issue
of Upstate Diary, which I picked up from a recent trip to Jack Shainman’s upstate space, The School.

 

Off to see some art with my favorite Leathrology daytime bag!

 

First stop is Frieze Art Fair. One of the first works I ran into was this stunner by my friend Cindy Ji Hye Kim. Cindy is known
for black and white works so this pop of color was a welcomed surprise.

 

A quick lunch stop in between fairs, paying for the meal with my new custom Leatherology wallet, debossed with an original
drawing by artist Kenny Rivero, which was the featured gift at Rococinco event last week.

 

I stopped by Tibi’s showroom to try on some looks they were kind enough to lend me for the week.
Still regretting my choice to not snag this look.

 

Next on my day’s itinerary is NADA, one of my favorite fairs to discover new artists and see a lot of familiar favorites. I was
greeted with Charles Moffett’s standout booth and an incredible painting by Kenny.

 

Another painting by a friend spotting – this time Hyegyeong Choi.

 

My friend Hannah Traore made her NADA debut with a booth of work by Anya Paintsil. Anya uses a combination of real
and synthetic hair to discuss race and gender.

 

This work by Elise Lafontaine stopped me in my tracks and I was fortunate enough to place it with a wonderful client.

 

I zoomed out of NADA and straight to Susan Chen’s studio. Susan invited me to write a press release for her upcoming
show at Rachel Uffner Gallery so I got to visit and get a sneak peak at the new work.

 

Susan creates texture with her paint in such a unique way. Her subjects are always painted from life
and her technique makes the work feel alive.

 

Last stop of the day is dinner with friends! We caught up on all the art world events of the week while
catching our breath over a yummy meal.