Will Cotton’s Cockaigne event

A sweet treat for VIP art lovers transpired at the Prince George Ballroom in NYC on Friday. Painter Will Cotton unveiled a performance titled Cockaigne based on his unique vision of candy seen through a rococo paint brush. As part of Performa 11, the evening was curated by Stacy Engman. Upon entry, the crowd was ushered towards mountains of cotton candy and flutes of champagne. After mingling with the likes of gallerist Mary Boone, Candace Bushnell a throng of art world hipsters were seated before a compact stage. Backdrops representing whipped cream and cotton candy had been specially painted by Cotton for the performance. Meandering on and off the stage, a ballerina sprayed a custom designed whip cream scented perfume called Cockaigne. The name of both the perfume and the event is a medieval reference for a mythical land of plenty during a time of famine. In part one of the performance, burlesque dancer Miss Ruby Valentine performed a whipped cream fan dance. Part two referenced cotton candy and was choreographed by former New York City Ballet dancer Charles Askegard. The three ballerinas were the perfect metaphor for this particular confectionery delight. Earlier in the evening, Askegard told me about his exciting “second act” since his recent retirement from NYCB. BalletNext is his new ballet company which is premiering this Monday, November 21st at the Joyce Theater.