Rococo Record Drop

your new friend on the art world scene

The art world is a finnicky realm. So finnicky in fact, that after almost a decade on the inside, I’m still trying to make sense of this small-but-mighty microcosm of an industry I fell for as a bright eyed and bushy-tailed 22-year-old. As that younger version of myself would learn, this closely-guarded world is made to be challenging for those on the outside. Which is how I entered—from the outside.

My family isn’t pedigreed in the ways that New York establishments are, and my prior knowledge of the art world was nil, despite an Art History degree and unyielding love of afternoons spent in museums. I very quickly realized that this wasn’t enough to get me to the places I wanted to go (think: places with real impact), at the pace I wanted to go (think: right away). I exited the linear path I was on and aimlessly ventured out with the determination to find my way through this labyrinth on my own terms and with the warm and open spirit I felt was lacking.

Cut to today, years and many part-time, unpaid, freelance, full-time, side gigs, late nights later, I can knowingly say I have a handle on the industry that barely cracks its doors open for anyone to enter. What hasn’t changed in that time is those same doors remain shut for the most part, and if you happen to find a key and wiggle yourself in, what’s on the other side is a vast and uncertain abyss.

For this world I’ve grown to love so much, this particular fact makes me reel. So, I’ve pondered and agonized and spent more minutes than I can count working toward what I can do about it and finally came to the conclusion:

I want to open that door and hold your hand as you walk through.

Each month Rococo Record will offer glimpses into the inner workings of the art world’s complex and ever-evolving web through a few different lenses highlighting the landscape, and what you should pay attention to within it: the goings-on, the people, the movements, and more.

We might not ever be able to make complete sense of it, but by piecing together details that glean some sort of understanding, I hope this pocket of culture that I care so much about will become more of a friend and less of a hostile frenemy.

Welcome to Rococo Record. I am SO glad to have you here.