Keeping My Finger on the Pulse Art Fair

Late last week, I attended the preview brunch for PULSE ART FAIR, an art fair dedicated to contemporary art. I arrived right at 9am and despite the early hour, the fair was already buzzing with energy. With contemporary art being such a broad movement, I came across a range of work dating from as far back as 60 years. I loved Andy Warhol's graphite drawing of a pair of King Charles Cavalier Spaniels, circa 1976, as well as Natsumi Hayashi's 2011 photo series, Today’s Levitation. I remember being struck at how pure and moving her pieces were when I first came across her work—seeing them in-person only heightened that feeling. Another artist whose work was I enjoyed was Peter Hutchinson; his vibrant collages focus on natural landscapes, reminding me of the current FRANCESCO SIMETI and MOTHER OF PEARL collaboration.

One of my favorites from the new talent portion of the fair was photographer Danielle Nelson Mourning. I learned that her use of vintage garments and everyday objects act as an homage to her Irish heritage. On my way out, a giant canvas picturing what I assumed were vampire fangs caught my attention. Serendipitously, the creator, Amanda Valdez was close by and I was able to speak with her regarding her very-involved process. Even though I only stopped by the weekend-long event once, I received a large serving of fantastic art (with a side of muffins) and it was so satisfying.
Artist: Alicia Ross
Presented by BLACK & WHITE GALLERY


Artist: Peter Hutchinson
Presented by FREIGHT+VOLUME


Artist: Tracey Moffatt
Presented by TYLER ROLLINS FINE ART



Artist: Nicole Fein
Presented by Gallery Joe


A close-up of the beautiful and precise watercolor work

Artist: Jorge Perianes
Presented by PAN AMERICAN ART PROJECTS


Artist: Long-bin Chen
Presented by THE WEST COLLECTION


The back of Bach! He's made entirely from books!

Artist: Ghost of a Dream
Presented by Davidson Contemporary