Contemporary Artists Revive Rococo Aesthetics at Frieze London and Beyond

At Frieze London, a revival of rococo influences is showcased through the works of artists such as Karla Black, Pablo Bronstein, and Michaela Yearwood-Dan. Black's 2011 piece, What To Ask Of Others, draws inspiration from Jean-Honoré Fragonard's 1767 artwork, The Swing. Yearwood-Dan explores themes of queer desire with vibrant designs, while Bronstein envisions an unsettling architectural environment. Flora Yukhnovich's 2020 artwork, I'll Have What She's Having, fetched £2.3 million at auction in 2021. Marijke Vasey is known for her 'frame paintings.' The Wallace Collection has recently investigated rococo's impact on Disney films. Notably, many contemporary artists revisiting rococo are women or queer, reclaiming a style traditionally associated with femininity. Originating around 1722, rococo emphasizes lightness and natural themes.