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Timeshare with Maria Vogel at JO-HS: Interview

CDMX, July - August 2023

Mexico City, MX– - During the month of July and August JO-HS had the pleasure of hosting Maria Vogel, art advisor and writer. Maria Vogel is the founder of Rococo Art Advisory. Vogel’s experience in the art world covers almost every corner, from blue-chip and emerging galleries to institutions and start-ups.

Through her advising, Vogel has had the pleasure of placing works from many of the world’s top artists as well as art world newcomers into prominent collections. Vogel regularly contributes to many of the art world’s top publications, including Cultured Magazine and Artnet. She has interviewed leading artists such as Katherine Bradford, Dan Colen, Xaviera Simmons, Jonas Wood and Erwin Wurm, among others. With all of her work, Vogel acts as conduit to further the stories of artists.



JO-HS: Maria, as an art advisor with an impressive background, what initially sparked your interest in the art world and led you to pursue a career in this field?
Maria: I fell deeply in love with Art History while studying in college and upon graduating, decided I wanted to be in whatever the present moment of art looked like. That brought me to New York where I would spend almost a decade seeking out positions within the field that gave me varied experiences – sales, curation, writing, PR, communications, digital content—I could go on. Without an exact end plan in mind, I wanted to soak up every bit of knowledge about the industry before pursuing my own company.

JO-HS:  Among all the artworks you've encountered throughout your career, which one has inspired you deepest?
Maria: Impossible to choose just one! I’ll share a recent experience – I was lucky to catch Lisa Yuskavage’s exhibition at David Zwirner in June (more so I happened to stumble into the opening unbeknownst that it was going on). Lisa has been a NorthStar for me for years; When I first experienced her paintings, it gave me a renewed excitement around what art could look and feel like. She exists in this singular space of limit-pushing, eliciting the entire spectrum of emotional reactions with the work she creates. This exhibition in particular serves as a moment of arrival in her 30 year long career and to see it was a gift.

JO-HS: What have you enjoyed most about residing at JO-HS?
Maria: Staying at JO-HS has given me the opportunity to live within an inherently creative space. Whether it’s spending time with Meryl Yana and Lotte Schäff, the current artists-in-residence, speaking with the JO-HS staff, or taking in the work throughout the space, it’s been such a different living experience then what my home in New York looks like and one that has fueled me creatively as well.

JO-HS: Which artists or artworks at JO-HS have left a lasting impression on you?
Maria: In the current show at JO-HS, “Homesick,” the artist Bruno Enciso’s works have really caught my eye. I’ve spent a lot of time stopping to take them in. Bruno creates beautiful, small paintings on found cardboard—however, it is not apparent at first glance that this is the material the image rests upon. I’m intrigued by his ability to make a striking composition on material not deemed valuable. His play with shadows is also particularly eye-catching.

JO-HS: What would be your top recommendations for a weekend in Mexico City?
Maria: I’m a big fan of not doing too much when you have a limited amount of time – for a weekend in Mexico City, I’d focus on a few art-viewing experiences, great meals, shopping, and time in the gorgeous parts around the city. A few of my favorites:

  • Museo Anahuacalli
  • Museo Tamayo
  • Elly’s
  • Masala y Maiz
  • Parque Mexico
  • Bosque de Chapultepac
  • Proyecto Rufina
  • Aurelia Concept Store

JO-HS: Being exposed to the vibrant art scene in Mexico City, have you noticed any distinct artistic trends or themes that you think might have broader implications in the global art market?
Maria: During my time here and the exhibitions I’ve taken in, I’ve noticed that galleries are not shying away from showing artists that are working in interesting forms of materiality. So often are commercial shows centered around works that are easily sellable, i.e., paintings, works on paper, small sculpture, etc. Here it seems that there is more of a risk-taking sense in showing artists working outside these parameters whose practices are just as valuable for the world to see.

JO-HS: In your opinion, what sets Rococo Art Advisor apart from other art advisory services, and what value do you strive to bring to your clients?
Maria: So much of the art world is unapproachable and intimidating. With Rococo, my approach is to by as inviting as I can to everyone interested in beginning their art world journey or those already on one. Beyond maintaining this disposition with sales, Rococo offers regular programming opportunities for those looking for a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective of the art world. Hosting these events gives me the opportunity to connect with people beyond just those already inhabiting the art world and to show that all are welcome in this space.