Visual Overture Blog: PULSE Art LA -- Exuberant

After visiting several art fairs over the past year, I was a little uncertain as to what PULSE LA could hold that would top any of the others. Yet, I was also very welcoming of the idea of a large art fair weekend in the city of angels. Though other fairs are happening simultaneously this weekend (referred to collectively as ArtWeekLA), I choose to spend my time with PULSE -- a venue that is well organized based on my previous experiences.

The press & VIP preview began at 12pm Friday, September 30, 2011 with what appeared to be a somewhat significant crowd. While the VIP and will-call ticket holders waited in a long line to gain access, I was surprised to see the press area vacant (but for the worker.) I easily obtained my pass and scooted past the line of those waiting to get tickets.

With only a two hour window for the preview viewing, I had pre-made my list of "must-sees" -- mostly comprised of LA-area galleries, as I wanted to focus on what's happening locally, rather than the often more established galleries from New York, Miami, and other international art cities.

Christopher Russell, The Challenge Wind Makes VIII -- Luis de Jesus Gallery

Greeting me as the first booth near the entrance was the Luis de Jesus Gallery -- one that happened to be on my list. Showcasing a variety of their represented artists, I was immediately drawn to Christopher Russell's large painting full of texture and symbolism. Luis de Jesus, principle director of the gallery, shared with me several of the intended meanings of the two ships, the wallpaper patterns, and the background texture -- all stemming from a literary work also done by the artist.

As I perused the remaining booths, there were some that particularly caught my attention. I will go into more depth in the written article, to be published in the Winter 2011 issue of Visual Overture Magazine, but for now will tease you with some images below.

Overall, I found the PULSE Art LA event to be full of energy, even exuberant. Perhaps this is due to the fact that people are excited to have an international fair in Los Angeles, or perhaps just due to the high quality of art displayed. Whatever the case, I'm happy to have attended and hope this takes LA on a deeper path towards embracing contemporary visual art.

Photos from PULSE Art LA 2011: