NEW YORK, NY.- The eleventh edition of PULSE New York captivated audiences closing the week with vigorous sales and high energy. Visitors reveled in the spatial thoughtfulness that has become a signature aspect of the PULSE experience. The atmosphere created a contemplative space for visitors to engage in tightly curated exhibitions and purchase works with intention and information. “It has been a great fair and I have enjoyed witnessing the exchanges between our exhibitors and visitors. There is a genuine enthusiasm about sharing information and connecting the dots, which helps foster a welcoming community and greater exposure for the artists,” says Helen Toomer, Director of PULSE Contemporary Art Fair.

Within minutes of opening strong sales were reported for both established and emerging artists. New exhibitor, SIM SMITH GALLERY sold out their booth, selling over 20 Nabis-style portraits by artist Bradley Wood. Black & White Gallery said it was their “best year to date,” with Isidro Blasco’s photo sculptures acquired by museums, corporate and private collections. Christopher Moller Gallery debuted the work of Cape Town native Tony Gum selling out 2 editions for a total of 11 works. Brookhart Jonquil, whose work was presented in a museum style exhibition by Miami-based Emerson Dorsch, fascinated guests with his mirror and light sculptures selling 4 pieces to private collectors. Solo presentations by Ferrin Contemporary, Winston Wächter Fine Art and Sienna Patti also represented key sales. Crowd favorite, Gallery Poulsen, sold 17 works in total and the Conversations presentation The Chair Affair by kinder MODERN sold 12 works. “All of our artists have sold and we will have a lot of residual sales. We loved meeting new collectors and seeing so many art fans that came out, honoring the work and enjoying the fair,” said a Linare/Brecht gallery representative. 532 Gallery Thomas Jaeckel, Antonio Colombo Arte Contemporanea, Brodsky Center - Rutgers University, Causey Contemporary, CYNTHIA-REEVES, Cynthia Corbett Gallery, Davisdon Contemporary, Galerie I'lnlassable, JHB Gallery, JONATHAN FERRARA GALLERY, Linare/Brecht Gallery, LIVINGSTONE GALLERY THE HAGUE – BERLIN, SVA Galleries, Uprise Art and WAGNER + PARTNER also reported notable sales results.

PULSE hosted a number of representatives from private collections and institutions including 21c Museum Hotels, Brooklyn Museum, Contemporary Art Museum Houston, Duncan Collection, Museo del Barrio, Oklahoma Contemporary, Metropolitan Museum, Microsoft, MOCA Jacksonville, Pizutti Collection and Wadsworth Atheneum. “We happily saw a number of longtime collectors and gallery supporters, but the people who purchased are all new. PULSE functions exactly how a fair should function by connecting you with people you know while at the same time expanding your audience,” said first time exhibitor and gallerist Cynthia Reeves.

PULSE’s dynamic programming tackled timely topics and captivated crowds throughout the week. The fully working bar and immersive installation Eulogy for the Dyke Bar by artist Macon Reed informed and educated visitors with daily programming including trivia night, drag performances and a closing ceremony while paying homage to the disappearing gay and lesbian community. “What I loved about having Eulogy for the Dyke Bar at PULSE New York was how open they were to hosting a multi-use space, not just as an installation, and being willing and able to bring it to life. The project allowed queer people, who may not be part of the art world or art audience, to enter a space and engage in conversation with people who are. I think it is important to make art more accessible to a variety of audiences and to push artists to think in different ways,” says Reed. This season of PERSPECTIVES talks challenged the status quo and required all involved to contemplate art as powerful tool. PLAY Curator, Joey Lico discussed themes of cultural identity with Les Joynes and Leif Huron exploring the relationship between contemporary life and connectivity to nature. Hrag Vartanian, Editor-in-Chief of Hyperallergic moderated a stimulating discussion about art and revolution with Chloë Bass, Ryan Wong and Noah Fischer. Whitewall editor-in-chief, Katy Donoghue discussed the art of collecting in todays expanding market with second generation art dealer Maxwell Davidson IV, Kenneth Schlenker of ArtList and surprise guest French art critic Juliet Benhamou-Huet. Sherry Dobbin, Director of Public Art for the Times Square Art Alliance, moderated a panel in conversation with the Carlos Pomares, Executive Director of Cuban Artists Fund and artist Emilio Perez about the joys and challenges of working in Cuba. Artist Macon Reed brought critical thought to the loss and legacy of dyke bars in the gay and queer cultural landscape with Lisa Cannistraci of Henrietta Hudson, Wanda Acosta of Sundays at Café Tabac along with other distinguished guests to standing-room only crowd.