E&S Gallery introduce us to Their Pulse Artists

Founders, Walter and Cathy Shannon provide an insightful look into their plans for the fair where they are thrilled to be exhibiting artists Elizabeth Catlett and Kevin Cole and their process curating these works for PULSE's 15th anniversary edition.

"We are excited to see a rise in interest, auction prices, and sales of art by and featuring African Americans. There is also more attention being paid to works by female masters, who were previously ignored. The world has always been diverse, and the current, extremely polarizing political climate is actually having a positive effect." - Walter and Cathy Shannon, PULSE Exhibitors. 

PLEASE GIVE US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOURSELF AND YOUR GALLERY.

E&S Gallery was established in Louisville, KY by Walter Shannon as an art and custom framing gallery and has evolved into a Midwest based national art gallery with a current client base of several thousand clients. E&S specializes in contemporary art by post-Harlem renaissance artists, current and up and coming. E&S curates collections for corporate and private collectors and also publishes fine art. Concerned with offering art enthusiast impeccable works of fine art, E&S is renowned among African American collectors and artists as a reputable gallery committed to excellence in art and framing.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT ONE OF THE ARTISTS THAT YOU’RE BRINGING TO PULSE THIS YEAR AND WHY YOU’VE DECIDED TO PRESENT THEM AT OUR FAIR?

Elizabeth Catlett was an obvious choice for us because of our long relationship with this iconic artist, but we also added one of the newest artists to join the E&S family, Kevin Cole. This talented artist was a must, not only because of his vibrant, abstract wall sculptures and longevity in the business, but also because of his sheer mastery of his medium and message. The distinguished University Professor of Art, University of Maryland, David C. Driskell, said it best, “I walked into Kevin’s studio with large northern windows and was immediately surrounded by a series of powerful ‘wall works’ that creatively bestride both paintings and sculpture done in an unusually accomplished manner.” The art of Kevin Cole is intricate in its detail, impressive in its bent-wood design, and eye-catching by their very nature.  Mentored by the legendary abstract master artist, Sam Gilliam for more than 20 years, Cole is one of our hottest artists and we can’t wait to share his art with attendees to PULSE 2019!

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO PULSE ART FAIR AND HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR GALLERY FITTING INTO THE MIAMI ART SCENE?

We attended Art Basel in 2018 after years of prodding by collectors and fine artists, and looked at several satellite fairs in Miami, on Miami Beach, and Basel in person. Walter and I loved the light and airy fill of PULSE, the setting was impeccable.  Art enthusiasts had room to move around and enjoy the space without the crowding experienced at other venues.  There was also an orderly look and flow to the show, but you really sealed the deal with the oceanfront view…!

ARE THERE ANY TOPICS IN THE CONTEMPORARY ART DISCOURSE AND THE ART MARKET THAT ARE OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO YOU RIGHT NOW? ANY TRENDS YOU SEE COMING?

Yes. We are excited to see a rise in Interest, auction prices, and sales of art by and featuring African Americans. There is also more attention being paid to works by female masters, who were previously ignored. The world has always been diverse, and the current, extremely polarizing political climate is actually having a positive effect. We are seeing a more diverse client entering our gallery and shopping with us online. Our country and the world for that matter is so much better than any of the extreme ideologies’ that seek to divide us. It’s becoming more evident how ridiculous racism and sexism actually are because when confronted and forced to choose a side, people choose what’s right and racism and sexism are the big losers. Art by female masters are being focused on in museums and auction houses, and that’s a big plus.

WHAT’S COMING UP NEXT FOR YOUR GALLERY?

E&S Gallery launched a traveling curated art show last year at the request of collectors outside of major markets that may not have a lot of opportunities to view and purchase African American fine art.  The National Fine Art Tour will travel to two cities this November: Charlotte, NC at the Harvey B. Gantt Center and Cleveland, OH at Playhouse Square.