PULSE New York has been going through transition, they have a new director (the lovely Helen Toomer) and a new location on West 18th Street. On a cool spring opening night, the aisles lined with galleries were not teeming with visitors. The coat check was nearly empty, as was the bar. Why, one might ask? Because Frieze New York had its’ VIP opening on the very same night. As visitors, art lovers, collectors and the art curious, venture out to Randall’s Island for Frieze there is one factor he or she will notice, arriving is not convenient. Hence, I would say that those who may have even planned on attending Pulse, may have been stuck on the island, nary a car service (except for the BMW’s on call for distinguished-even beyond that of VIP-guests). At first, walking through Pulse was a bit disheartening. At a quick glance, much of the artwork seems small in scale and fit for an upscale hotel room rather than the home of a high-end collector. However, as I allowed my eyes to focus, more was revealed, what I’d like to call Diamonds in the Rough. Below are my Top Five Picks from Pulse New York, 2014.

PULSE New York is on view May 8th-11th at 125 West 18th Street, New York.

Waterhouse and Dodd, New York/London / Brian Rochefort

Brian Rochefort, Teddy Bear, 2012-13 Waterhouse and ____

Brian Rochefort, Teddy Bear, Automotive paint, holographic flakes and pearl on Ceramic, 2012-13
Waterhouse and Dodd, New York/London, Installation view Pulse New York, 2014

Automotive paint, holographic flakes, and pearl on Ceramic. 2012-2013

Sean Fader is the #wishingpelt

Sean Fader is the #wishingpelt, durational performance, viewers asked to rub performers chest and whisper a wish into his ear

Sean Fader is the #wishingpelt, durational performance, viewers asked to rub performers chest and whisper a wish into his ear. The artist also took part in Spring Break Art Fair, March 2014, Above image, Pulse New York, 2014

532 Gallery Thomas Jaeckel, New York / Diana Copperwhite

Diana Copperwhite,

Diana Copperwhite, Series of oil paintings, various dimensions, 532 Gallery Thomas Jaeckel, New York

Phalanx [IMPULSE], Brooklyn / Keith Allyn Spencer

Keith Allyn Spencer, Phalanx [IMPULSE], Brooklyn, Pulse Prize Nominee, 2014

Keith Allyn Spencer, Phalanx [IMPULSE], Brooklyn, Pulse Prize Nominee, Installation view Pulse New York, 2014

My Name’s Lolita Art, Madrid, Spain / Jöel Mestre

Jöel Mestre, My Name's Lolita Art, Madrid, Spain

Jöel Mestre, My Name’s Lolita Art, Madrid, Spain, Installation view Pulse New York, 2014

More soon!

xo