Winter’s Light Rebellion: A Neo-Rococo Respite at The Jane Gallery
Emma Hapner
Walking through the blue dusk of a cold February evening in Old City, the Philadelphia wind carries bite. But stepping into The Jane Gallery for the private preview of The Secret Show feels less like entering an art exhibition and more like stumbling into a hidden sanctuary. The room is buzzing with energy. It is a scene full of chatter, color, flowing dresses, and a table overflowing with cakes, tea, candles, and flowers.
For those of us enduring the long East Coast winter, this exhibition is the perfect remedy.
The Salon as a Creative Space
Presented by Era Contemporary and curated by artist Emma Hapner, The Secret Show was designed in the spirit of an Enlightenment salon. It is a gathering devoted to conversation and aesthetics as a meaningful social practice. Founded by artist Jessica Libor, Era Contemporary focuses on creating immersive environments. This preview took the form of a Curator’s High Tea, placing the artwork within a setting of warmth and ritual.
I have always loved artist-led curation. There is a specific power in creators building their own opportunities and designing spaces where the exhibition itself is an act of creativity. In this show, ornament acts as a language and beauty serves as a form of resistance. The art is not lacking in originality, and the intimacy of the space encourages a deeper level of thought.
Beauty as a Form of Protest
In a cultural moment often defined by "winter fatigue," this exhibition treats the Rococo style as a living vocabulary rather than a historical costume.
While major institutions like the Getty, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Frick have recently highlighted Rococo-influenced work, The Secret Show brings that dialogue to a personal and local level. Surface, excess, and wit are used here as contemporary strategies. They offer a light rebellion against the season’s grey skies.
The space was curated with thoughtful details, such as love letters sourced from local estates that connect to Philadelphia’s history. It provided a much-needed escape for the weary winter soul.
The Artists
The strength of the show is found in its diverse interpretations of the theme. From lush botanical works to whimsical narratives, the participating artists prove that the "Neo-Rococo" is a vital and modern movement.
Participating Artists: Abigail Walecki, Albion Moonlight, Alexis Nunnelly, Arthur Haywood, Briyana Rainer, Brittany Dolence, Brooke Bowen, Caroline Gates, Chunbum Park, Colleen Hoffenbacker, Daniel Roa, Eli Bowles, Emily Taylor Rogers, Emma Hapner, Erin E. Freeman, Ingrid V. Wells, Isabel Betsill, Jessica Bednarcik, Jessica Libor, Jessica Violetta, Jessica Yu, Jo Gamel, Lalo MacKenzie, Lauren Woods, Leah Lopez, Leslie Weissman, Lizzie Conklin, Madame Ryan, Madison Alldridge, Megan Emily Ely, Meghan Shapiro, Mijin Chun, Paulina Ree, Randolph Peay, Taryn Riley, Tracy Von Ahsen, Victoria Koursaros, and Yves Kincaid.
Exhibition Details
If you are in Philadelphia, make sure to step out of the cold and visit this curated dreamscape.
Opening Reception: February 6, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: The Jane Gallery, Old City, Philadelphia, PA
Presented by: Era Contemporary
For press inquiries, images, or interview requests with the curator or artists, contact the gallery at eracontemporary@gmail.com or visit www.eracontemporary.com.
