(New York, May 14, 2013) â Closing out its eighth New York edition on May 12
th,
PULSE Contemporary Art Fairs held its position as
the premier destination for international dealers and collectors to experience a tightly curated group of exhibitions, as well as specialized performances and interactive work from emerging to established artists.
By noon on the opening day of the fair, more than 1,200 art lovers passed through the doors of
The Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea, and by the end of the day, the opening day attendance surpassed the previous yearâs attendance by 60%.
PULSEâs support of emerging artists provided visitors with daring new discoveries, while enabling exhibitors to broaden their artistsâ exposure to an international clientele. The Philadelphia-based
West Collection showcased fourteen local artists, noting particular interest in
Kim Alsbrookâs White Trash Family portraits,
Tim Portlockâs computer generated prints, and
Drew Leshkoâs architecturally structured sculptures of his Philadelphia neighborhood.
This spirit ran particularly strong through
IMPULSE â the section dedicated to solo artist exhibitions â as noteworthy collectors discovered and acquired the works of emerging artists.
Christine Flynnsâ dreamlike, mixed-media beach photographs at
Fitz RoyKnox (New York) and
Danielle Nelson Mourningâs movie-still inspired photographs at
Taylor de Cordoba (Los Angeles) stimulated conversation and sales. Also in IMPULSE,
Aicon Gallery (New York) reported several sales of large-scale sculptural works by
Adeela Suleman,
m2a (Dresden) reported sales of large paintings by
Benjamin Dittrich, and
Carroll and Sons (Boston) sold a large-scale cut-paper collage by
Ambreen Butt.
The highlight of IMPULSE, however, was the
PULSE Prize, awarded to Dutch artist
Marjolijn De Wit at
OTTO ZOO (Milan) by the PULSE New York 2013 jury, which included
Lowery Stokes Sims, curator at the Museum of Art and Design;
Sue Stoffel, collector and arts patron; and
Hrag Vartanian, editor of
Hyperallergic,
Three ongoing performances at the fair kept the energy lively, with
Lisa Lozano and Tora Lopez performing
We Couldnât Remember What We Came To Forget, a fantasy vacation in the midst of the art fair frenzy;
Tim Youdâs Typing Tropic (presented by
Coagula Curatorial, Los Angeles); and
Franco Mondini-Ruiz (
Creative Capital, New York) all attracting crowds who were eager to be a part of the artistic performances. Visitors participated in role-play while vacationing with
Lozano and
Lopez who entertained guests with stories of their imagined, highly sterilized, and sponsored all-inclusive vacation. The sound of typewriter keys echoed throughout the main fair as
Tim Youd diligently retyped â on one sheet of paper â Henry Millerâs sexually charged masterpiece
Tropic of Capricorn while reciting the prose aloud. The highly energetic and irreverent
Franco Mondini-Ruiz sold 400 of his works to 165 people through the course of the fair.
Sales remained a clear focus throughout the fair as gallerists, collectors, and visitors mingled to discuss new and innovative artists, specific works, and installations.
Tokyo Gallery + BTAP (Tokyo) sold all of the miniature folklore-based sculptures by
Miki Taira to several art advisors and other collectors.
Adamson Gallery (Washington) sold works by
Kim Keever and
Robert Longo, as well as a $65,000 photograph by
Adam Fuss and a large portfolio of archival pigment prints by
Not Vital;
Patrick Heide Gallery (London) sold multiple works by
Thomas Müeller,
Hans Kottor,
Sarah Bridgeland and
Károly Keserü;
Marc Straus (New York) sold paintings on deer hide and a mixed media punching bag by acclaimed Native American artist
Jeffrey Gibson.
Frank Gerritz was in high demand at
Pabloâs Birthday (New York), selling a record six works, while a
Henrik Eiben mixed media work brought over $10,000 and
Eckart Hahn, an estimated $16,000.
The energy of PULSE heightened as dealers reported record sales over the course of the four days of the fair. By the close of the fair,
Gallery Joe (Philadelphia), had sold out and re-hung the booth twice over with their exquisite presentation of works on paper, while
Von Lintel Gallery (New York) noted a large
Canan Tolon canvas sale upwards of $80,000, and
Black and White Gallery (Brooklyn) sold several major works by
Alicia Ross. International exhibitors also fared well, with
Nieves Fernandez selling works by
Danica Phelps;
The Fine Art Society Contemporary (London) reporting multiple sales of a newly released portrait of Kate Moss by
Chris Levine, as well as works
by Rob and Nick Carter; HABANA (Havana) sold a delicate work made of sand by
Lisett Castillo, and a bronze cast of hands spelling
democracia in sign language by
Yoan Capote; and
Michael Hoppen Contemporary sold works never before shown in New York, by Japanese artist
Sohei Nishino.
PULSE MIAMI 2013
PULSE Contemporary Art Fairs looks forward to opening its doors again for the next edition of
PULSE Miami, which will be held on
December 5-8th at The Ice Palace. For additional information, applications, and tickets, please visit: www.pulse-art.com.
SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
PULSE New York 2013 would like to thank the following sponsors:
Jet Blue, Aiston, Société Perrier, Velodyne, Hester Street Fair, Design Withing Reach, Space Design + Production, Brooklyn Roasting Company, Blik, and Malin + Goetz.
PULSE
Through its annual editions in New York and Miami, PULSE provides a unique platform for diverse galleries to present a progressive blend of renowned and pioneering contemporary artists, alongside an evolving series of original programming. The fairâs distinctive commitment to the art community and visitor experience makes PULSE unique among art fairs and creates an experience that is both dynamic and inviting. PULSE Contemporary Art Fairs are a division of Ramsay Fairs, the worldâs largest producer of contemporary art fairs, co-founder of Art HK, Asiaâs largest art fair; co-owner of the India Art Fair; and owner of the Affordable Art Fair, held in nine cities internationally.
www.pulse-art-com.
