Ernest Villanueva, Summer in my garden II, 2012, acrylic on canvas, La Acacia, Havana, Cuba

PULSE Miami, now in its eighth year, has become one of the leading Contemporary art fairs held in Miami. It is distinguished in the art world by its exclusive focus on Contemporary Art. This year’s installment will be held at the Ice Palace, located in Miami’s Media and Entertainment District, and will be open from December 5 through 8.

Renate Aller, December 26, 2008, archival pigment print on Hahnemuhle Satin, Adamson Gallery/Adamson Editions, Washington, D.C.

The fair is unique because it offers a venue for both established and emerging Contemporary artists to present new work to the art community at large. This dedication to promoting the careers of artists, whether they are up and coming or already widely recognized, is at the heart of the fair’s mission.

Harry Benson, Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow at Truman Capote’s “Black and White” Ball at the Plaza Hotel, New York, 1966, Staley-Wise Gallery, New York, NY

The PULSE venue is split into two distinct parts. One section of the fair is comprised of gallery booths showcasing works from multiple artists, and the other section, IMPULSE, is dedicated to select galleries featuring works by a single artist. Artists who have work on display in this section are put in the running for a cash prize, which is awarded to one artist at the end of the fair. Last year, German artist Nadine Wottke was honored with this unique distinction for her porcelain relief sculptures.

Ellen von Unwerth, Bathing Beauties II, Paris, 1992, chromogenic color print, Staley-Wise Gallery, New York, NY

Viewers should be sure to take part in one of PULSE’s audience-engaging programs. The fair is known for its original artist programs, one of which is PULSE Projects. The primary goal of this program is to encourage the artistic production of interactive sculptures, installations, and performances. The philosophy behind PULSE Projects is that interactive art is a way to connect the public with art and make it tangible to a wider audience. One of the highlights of this section is Nails Across America by Breanne Trammell. As part of this project, Trammell turned a small vintage trailer into a manicure booth. Participants are invited into the space to sit and talk with the artist while she gives them a manicure. The intent of this piece is to create a space where people can communicate face to face in an intimate setting.

There is also PULSE Play, a subdivision of PULSE Projects, with a focus on video and technology installations. This year’s project will take the form of a group exhibition entitled Through the Window. Art on display as part of Through the Window will examine the moving landscape.

PULSE Miami will give visitors a chance to experience the ultimate in art and culture nestled within the vibrant community that is Miami.

PULSE Miami
December 5–8, 2013
The Ice Palace
1400 North Miami Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33136

Participating artnet Galleries Members: