News
Mbali Dhlamini, represented by Sakhile&Me, invited 1-54 to her studio in Johannesburg. Mbali Dhlamini is a multidisciplinary artist and visual researcher whose work explores the …
Join 1-54 Founding Director, Touria El Glaoui as she speaks with two artists, Anya Paintsil, represented by Ed Cross Fine Art and DuduBloom More, represented …
Assunta Abdel Azim Mohamed, represented by Galerie Ernst Hilger, invited 1-54 to her studio in Vienna. Assunta Abdel Azim Mohamed’s drawings are at once a …
If you missed any of this year’s 1-54 Forum discussions, you can now listen to the recordings. Discussions can be listened to on all major …
1-54 has partnered with Somerset House to present the first major UK retrospective of works by the late French-Moroccan photographer, video artist and activist Leila …
We are very excited to announce that we have been awarded a Cultural Recovery Fund by Arts Council England. Working in the context of COVID-19 …
We were delighted to return to Somerset House for the eighth edition of 1-54 London and we would like to thank the 1-54 team, the …
We’re delighted to renew our long standing partnership with Artsy. The 1-54 Preview on Artsy is now live. Explore, connect with, and collect from all …
1-54 Highlights, a curated pop-up exhibition including one seminal work from each 1-54 exhibitor is now on view in the Duke Street Gallery within Christie’s …
South African artist Diane Victor, represented by Atelier le Grand Village, invited 1-54 to her studio in Johannesburg. Diane Victor deals with the taboos of …
1-54 Online, Powered by Christie’s (7-12 October) will offer virtual booths that feature 30 works from each gallery, as well as providing a spotlight series …
In advance of 1-54 London opening its doors at Somerset House, download the 1-54 mobile App today to help you prepare for your visit or …
In memory of our dear friend and gallerist, Henri Vergon (1968 – 2020), and on behalf of Henri’s partner, Emilie Démon, we have gathered tributes …
Nigerian-born artist Ekene Emeka Maduka, represented by POLARTICS, invited 1-54 to her studio in Canada. Ekene Emeka Maduka is a visual artist based in Canada. …
Make the most of London’s ‘art beat’ by visiting exciting exhibitions presented at our partner galleries and institutions showing contemporary African art shows around town during 1-54 London 2020.
Tickets are now on sale for the eighth edition of 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair London at Somerset House, on Saturday 10 October between 10:00 …
Tickets for 1-54 London 2020 are now on sale!! With less than a month to go we are delighted to announce tickets are now on …
South Africa-based visual artist DuduBloom More, represented by Berman Contemporary invited 1-54 to her studio in Johannesburg. Duduzile (DuduBloom) More is a visual artist from …
US-based post-disciplinary artist Damon Davis, represented by Mindy Solomon, invited 1-54 to his studio in St Louis. Damon Davis is an award-winning, post-disciplinary artist who …
Nigerian-born artist Wole Lagunju, represented by Montague Contemporary, invited 1-54 to his studio based in the US. Wole Lagunju practices a visually stunning form of …
We are pleased to announce the eighth edition of 1-54 London will take place at Somerset House 8 – 10 October 2020. This will be …
1-54 invited Christine Eyene, Artistic Director, Biennale Internationale de Casablanca, Sammy Baloji, Co-Founder, Biennale de Lubumbashi, Daudi Karungi, Director & Coordinator, Kampala Art Biennale to discuss African biennales and collaborative practices. Moderated by Nkgopoleng Moloi, South African writer, curator and photographer.
Namibian artist Tuli Mekondjo, represented by South African gallery Guns & Rain, invited 1-54 to her studio located in Windhoek, Namibia.
1-54 invited collectors Sandra Mbanefo Obiago (Nigeria), Pulane Kingston (South Africa) and Kenneth Montague (Canada), for a conversation focusing on the future of art collecting. The webinar will be moderated by Chela Mitchell, art advisor and founder of Komuna.
With Sonia Lawson, Founding Director, Palais de Lomé (Lomé, Togo); Koyo Kouoh, Executive Director and Chief Curator, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Cape Town, South Africa) and Dr. Karen E. Milbourne, Senior Curator, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution (Washington DC, USA); moderated by Claude Grunitzky, Founder of TRUE Africa.
1-54 invited Teesa Bahana, Director, 32° East Ugandan Arts Trust (Kampala, Uganda), Mirna Wessels, CEO, Spier Arts Trust (Cape Town, South Africa) and Ibrahim Mahama, Founder, The Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art (Tamale, Ghana) to discuss what role their art centres, located in diverse parts of Africa, can play in a local and international context.
Owanto, represented by Sakhile&Me, invited 1-54 to her studio and told us about her more recent series.
1-54 has invited Julia Grosse and Yvette Mutumba (Co-Founders and Editors-in-Chief of Contemporary And) to curate and moderate a conversation between Sepake Angiama (Artistic Director Iniva, London), Linett Kamala (Artist, Educator and Director for Lin Kam Art), and Touria El Glaoui (Founding Director, 1-54) discussing possibilities and tools for a diversification of the art world.
The recent death of George Floyd and the subsequent protests that have taken place across the US and around the world have yet again shone a light on the ongoing prevalence of racism in our society. At 1-54 we stand in full support of the Black community and anyone suffering oppression, discrimination, social injustice or racism. But we realise we can and must do more.
In this current moment, which ferociously amplifies the uncertainty, pain, and disruption caused by the systemic racism and ignorance Black individuals have to constantly confront and endure, C& has invited creatives and thinkers from the US, other parts of the Global Diaspora, and Africa to share their thoughts. 1-54 is relaying these statements on its website, as part of the ongoing collaboration between the fair and C&.
1-54 invited Dexter Wimberly, Independent Curator and CEO of Art World Conference, to virtually explore the fair and tell us more about his highlights.
1-54 invited long-time friend and Founder of TRUE Africa Claude Grunitzky to virtually explore the fair and tell us more about his ‘coup de coeur’.
1-54 has invited Rakeb Sile (Addis Fine Art), Cécile Fakhoury (Galerie Cécile Fakhoury) and Ayo Adeyinka (TAFETA) to discuss how their galleries, located in diverse parts of the world, can and will adapt to a redefined art world.
Artist Alexis Peskine, represented by October Gallery (London, UK) in the current 1-54 Online Edition, invited us to visit his studio and told us more about his most recent large-scale portraits.
On Wednesday 20 May, 1-54 invited art fairs Founders and Directors Tokini Peterside (ART X Lagos), Victoria Mann (AKAA), Mandla Sibeko (FNB Art Joburg) to a online discussion on the future of contemporary African art fairs with 1-54 Founding Director Touria El Glaoui.
Watch the second episode of the 1-54 Collector’s Picks series today! 1-54 invited Othman Lazraq, President of MACAAL (Marrakech, Morocco), to virtually explore 1-54 Online Edition and tell us more about his highlights.
In this video shot by James Muriuki, Kenyan artist Kaloki Nyamai, represented by EBONY / CURATED (Cape Town, South Africa) in the current 1-54 Online Edition, invited 1-54 to his studio in Nairobi.
In this video, collector Tarek Mouganie, Group CEO of Affinity (Ghana), virtually explores 1-54 Online Edition and discusses his highlights with 1-54 Funding Director Touria El Glaoui.
The Cameroonian artist Salifou Lindon, represented by Afikaris (Paris, France) in the current 1-54 Online Edition, invited 1-54 to his Douala home and studio and told us more about his experience of working during lock down.
Adjani Okpu-Egbe, the inaugural recipient of the Ritzau Art Prize, spoke to our partner Tauck Ritzau Innovative Philanthropy about his work and practice. The Cameroonian painter and installation artist is represented by Sulger-Buel Gallery in the current 1-54 Online Edition.
The International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP) and 1-54 are delighted to announce the inaugural recipient of the Ritzau Art Prize, Cameroonian painter and installation artist Adjani Okpu-Egbe (b. 1979), whose raw, expressive art investigates African colonial history and political activism.
Explore hundreds of artworks from more than 80 artists from Africa and the diaspora presented by 25 international galleries on the 1-54 Online Edition, now available on Artsy!
Ugandan artist Stacey Gillian Abe, represented at the next edition of 1-54 Online by Afriart Gallery (Kampala, Uganda), invited 1-54 to her office in Kampala, and showed us how she edits videos and pictures on her computer.
Congolese artist Ngimbi (Luve) Bakambana, represented by Galerie Atiss Dakar, gave 1-54 a tour of his studio located in Paris, France.
1-54 is collaborating with Artskop3437 for a series of interviews with artists presented at the next online edition of the fair, opening on 6 May on Artsy. For the third interview of the series, Artskop3437 interviewed artist February James.
South African artist Cameron Platter, represented by Galerie Ernst Hilger (Vienna, Austria), shared “Inside my head” with 1-54, a virtual and conceptual studio visit.
We are pleased to announce that thanks to a special collaboration with long-standing fair partner Artsy, the postponed 1-54 New York 2020 edition will be available to view for all online from 6 May, with a VIP Preview 4-5 May.
1-54 is collaborating with Artskop3437 for a series of interviews with artists presented at the next online edition of the fair. For the second interview of the series, Artskop3437 interviewed South African artist Lawrence Lemaoana.
1-54 is collaborating with Artskop3437 for a series of interviews with artists presented at the New York edition of the fair, which is held exclusively online throughout the month of May. In light of the current pandemic, Artskop3437 spoke to Sungi Mlengeya to find out more about her work and practice – especially during these trying times.
Nigerian artist Kelechi Nwaneri, represented by EBONY/CURATED, invited 1-54 to his studio located in Lagos, and told us more about his work.
While Fridman Gallery (New York, USA) has launched an online viewing room for Latent Tapestries, the first solo exhibition in New York by artist Nate Lewis, 1-54 had a chat with him about his practice in this very specific international context. Nate Lewis will be part of the 1-54 online edition, available on 6 May.
Senegalese artist Ousmane Niang, represented by Afikaris (Paris, France), invited us to his studio in Dakar, and told us about his daily life during confinement.
German artist Marion Boehm, represented by OOA (Barcelona, Spain), invited 1-54 to her studio in Frankfurt, Germany.
1-54 invited Nigerian artist Ken Nwadiogbu, represented by Retro Africa (Abuja, Nigeria), to show us his Lagos studio and tell us a little more about his current work.
In this video presented by EBONY/CURATED (Cape Town, South Africa) and shot by Evan Naudé, South African artist Kimathi Mafafo discusses her work and practice in her studio.
We are delighted to launch a new video format: the 1-54 Studio Visit Series, recorded by the artists themselves during confinement. First artist to participate is LR Vandy, represented by October Gallery, London, UK.
In view of the current health crisis, 1-54 has come to the difficult yet necessary decision to postpone the forthcoming edition of 1-54 New York 2020 until 2021.
For the very first time, 1-54 Marrakech is delighted to present three outdoor sculptures by artists Yamou, Soukaïna Aziz El Idrissi and Moataz Nasr in the magnificent backdrop of La Mamounia.
For the third consecutive year, Loft Art Gallery will come back to La Mamounia among the 20 selected galleries presented at 1-54 Marrakech. This year the gallery will be also presenting a duo-show at El Fenn by artists Amina Agueznay and Hicham Benohoud as part of 1-54 extended Public Programme. Discover more about them by reading our latest interview!
Egyptian artist Sayeda Khalil will be showcasing at 1-54 Marrakech on the booth of UBUNTU art gallery. Find out more on her method, practice and ideas as a woman artist and experienced and valued mentor at the Faculty of Arts Education, Cairo
Why taking part to 1-54? Expectations and thoughts of the newcomer gallery: Afikaris, discussing their very first participation in the fair and their solo presentation by up-and-rising star Jean-David Nkot
Discover some of the highlights at 1-54 partner exhibitions and have fun exploring arts in the Marrakech Medina! Organised by Pikala Bikes, as part of …
Explore galleries and artists in advance by visiting the 1-54 Marrakech 2020 Preview on Artsy. This online feature will allow collectors and visitors to browse booths and inquire on artworks before the fair opens!
The first official on-the-go guide to 1-54 Art Fair is arrived: plan your visit in advance and make the most of your tour to 1-54 Marrakech 2020!
Since its inception in 2005, Johannesburg-based AFRONOVA GALLERY offers an eclectic and innovative view on contemporary African art, with a special focus on photography. Founders Émilie Demon and Henri Vergon opened up on their curatorial choices and the ever-evolving Joburg’s art scene
1-54 New York 2020 will celebrate the inaugural Ritzau Art Prize, an award supporting extraordinary artists from the African continent for three-month career-enhancing residencies at ISCP in New York City in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair is pleased to announce the sixth edition of the fair in New York running from 8 to 10 May, 2020 at The Caldwell Factory in Chelsea, Manhattan.
1-54 is honoured to invite an artist presented at 1-54 Marrakech 2020 at the Thami Mnyele Foundation, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, as an awarded artist in residence for a three-month period in 2021.
A new programme of Partner Projects has been announced for the third edition of 1-54 Marrakech coming up this February 2020.
Gallerist Natalie Obadia on the position of 1-54 in the international art fairs’ circuit and the role of Marrakech as growing centre for contemporary art.
We had the chance to interview Lakin Ogunbanwo before the exhibition of his work in Marrakech, he told us about his creative process and his newest body of work.
Explore the full 1-54 Public Programme, gathering a list of events and exhibitions happening across the city over the four days of the fair!
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair is delighted to announce the 20 international galleries participating in its third Marrakech edition, taking place at La Mamounia, 22 and 23 February, with VIP Previews on 20 and 21 February 2020.
Our 1-54 London 2019 Catalogue is now available online, do not miss the chance to get insights on the artists and the galleries presented to this London edition of 1-54.
Discover all booths at the seventh edition of 1-54 London 2019!
To compliment the programme, we invited many of those who knew Silva to share one thing they learnt from her, which could be useful for others to know. These are now all published below.
For their October issue, NewAfrican published an interview with Tola Ojuolape, the designer behind the Lounge project at 1-54 London 2019. As part of our media partnership with NewAfrican, we’re sharing it here.
NewAfrican published an interview with Kiluanji Kia Henda on their October issue, on the occasion of his monumental sculpture commission at 1-54 London 2019. As part of our media partnership with NewAfrican, we’re sharing it here.
Before doors open next week, we invite you to explore a first look at the fair on Artsy. Visit the online preview to inquire on works for sale now and to learn more about this year’s exhibiting galleries and artists.
To celebrate Aïda Muluneh’s exhibition at Somerset House as part of 1-54 London 2019, culture video platform Nowness collaborated with WaterAid to create a special episode of their Photographers in Focus series.
Angolan artist Kiluanji Kia Henda, represented by Goodman Gallery, has been selected for the 2019 edition of the 1-54 Courtyard Sculpture Commission, presenting Fortress.
Tickets for the 7th edition of 1-54 London are now on sale online. Get yours before September at a special early-bird price…
Learn more about the artists exhibited at the fair with selected events open to all. All events are free to attend with a 1-54 ticket, simply register in advance to secure your place…
Next year, the fair will bring together 20 leading galleries to La Mamounia, 22 – 23 February, presenting an exciting showcase of artists from Africa and its diaspora of both emerging and established profile…
In addition to the 45 international galleries exhibiting at the upcoming seventh edition, 1-54 will feature an expanded selection of Special Projects. Amongst them works by Mary Sibande and Aïda Muluneh, collaborations with…
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair returns to London for its seventh edition at Somerset House, 3 – 6 October 2019. Bringing together 45 galleries from …
This October, Somerset House and 1-54 are proud to present ‘Mary Sibande: I Came Apart at the Seams’, an exhibition of new and celebrated works from one of South Africa’s most prominent contemporary artists…
Explore all galleries and exhibited artworks from the fifth edition of 1-54 New York through the virtual tour of the fair…
The fifth edition of 1-54 in New York is opening this week at Industria …
Before doors open next week, we invite you to explore a first look at the fair on Artsy. Visit the online preview to inquire on works for sale now and to learn more about this year’s exhibiting galleries and artists.
For its fifth-anniversary edition in New York in 2019, 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair is relocating from Brooklyn’s Pioneer Works to Manhattan’s West Village, the …
Kamel Lazaar Foundation and 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair are pleased to renew their collaboration on a courtyard installation commission, allowing artists from Africa and its diaspora to advance their practice with a project of monumental scale…
Special Projects at the fifth edition of 1-54 New York, include collaborations with Pioneer Works and Aperture Foundation, as well as a presentation of the black and white photographs by Paul Kodjo….
Catch here a glimpse of the second edition of 1-54 Marrakech with photos and images from the fair…
Before the 2019 edition of 1-54 Marrakech opens next week, we invite you to explore a first look at the fair on Artsy…
For its second Marrakech edition, 1-54 will be partnering once again with major local institutions to offer a vibrant programme of Special Projects around the city of Marrakech during the fair at La Mamounia, 21 – 24 February 2019. Discover here the full list….
Bringing together 18 international galleries and the works of over 65 established and emerging artists, 1-54 Marrakech aims to broaden its programme with bespoke events and exhibitions across the city and showcase Marrakech’s creative energy…
This interview was originally published in the October 2018 issue of New African, to coincide with the sixth edition of 1-54 London. Opening his first …
Before doors open next week, we invite you to explore a first look at 1-54 London on Artsy…
Presenting ‘Etats Désunis d’Afrique!/Criblés’ as part of 1-54 Special Projects, artist Nú Barreto explores the universality of poverty, violence and corruption focused on the socio-political landscape of the African continent…
Multidisciplinary artist Shiraz Bayjoo will design the visitor’s Lounge for the sixth London edition of 1-54 at Somerset House. Drawing from the colonial histories of the Indian Ocean region, he presents multi-media works and archival material…
After the success of last year’s edition, this summer Nando’s transformed one of its restaurants in a pop-up gallery between the 13 – 15 July for the second edition of ‘Feast Your Eyes’, exhibiting the works of five southern African artists…
The sixth edition of 1-54 London will showcase an extended programme of Special Projects amongst which a courtyard installation by Ibrahim El-Salahi, the first UK solo exhibition of Athi-Patra Ruga presented in collaboration with Somerset House…
Bringing together a diverse set of perspectives from around the world, 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair has selected 43 leading international galleries for its …
You can now listen to all FORUM talks from this year’s edition of 1-54 New York online. The 4th edition of 1-54 New York presented panel discussions, artist talks and music sets curated by Omar Berrada, featuring Derrick Adams, Sophia Azeb, Babirye Leilah, Hatim Belyamani…
Watch here all highlights from the latest edition of the fair at Pioneer Works, Brooklyn
In advance of 1-54 New York opening next week, browse and buy artworks on Artsy. Explore booths, save favorites, submit inquiries, and follow galleries and artists exclusively on Artsy…
Emo de Medeiros has been selected to present )U(, a transmedia installation, at the Ancien Palais de Justice in Dakar as part of the upcoming Dak’Art – Biennale de l’Art African Contemporain in May 2018…
For its fourth New York edition, 1-54 has invited artist Azikiwe Mohammed to design the fair’s lounge. In interview with 1-54, Azikiwe Mohammed shares insights of his practice and the ideas behind his installation…
As part of the Special Projects at the fourth edition of 1-54 New York, South African artist Ralph Ziman presents his Casspir Project with SPOEK 1, a re-imagined military vehicle. In interview with 1-54, the artists shares the story of this project and the aims of his work…
With every edition of 1-54, the fair aims to promote the best talent from all over the world both in the exhibited galleries and in 1-54’s non-profit section of the Special Projects. This year, the Special Projects encompass a wide variety of media and touch upon extremely timely ideas, social issues and contemporary discourses…
The fourth New York edition of 1-54 returns to Pioneer Works, Brooklyn between the 4-6 May 2018. The fair will welcome 21 international galleries, collectively exhibiting the work of more than 50 artists…
You can now listen to all talks from 1-54 FORUM, recorded during the first edition of 1-54 Marrakech in February 2018…
Video: relive 1-54 Marrakech and catch a peek of the first edition of 1-54 at La Mamounia
As part of its Public Programme, 1-54 has partnered with local galleries in the neighbourhood of Guéliz, Marrakech to offer an exciting “Art Night” for all…
The mission of the Foundation is to give space to the artists beyond borders, to form a single contemporary creation. The first edition of IN-DISCIPLINE is a crosscutting project that gives a look at Marrakech and Cotonou from a Beninese point of view…
Taking over the Salon de Thé at La Mamounia, Loft Art Gallery presents previously unseen works by Mohamed Melehi…
You can now start browsing and collecting artworks on Artsy in advance of the opening of the fair next week. Explore booths, save favourites, submit …
In 2008, Hicham Daoudi (Director of CMOOA and Comptoir des Mines Galerie) asked me to work on a magazine project, he believed it was the right moment to support a renewal of the contemporary art scene…
Co-presented by 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, Gallery 1957 and MACAAL, Elisabeth Efua Sutherland’s performance, ‘Black Noise’, explores black as a lament, colour and meditation…
During 1-54 Marrakech, The Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL) will launch internationally with a new exhibition curated by Afrique in Visu titled …
In occasion of 1-54 Marrakech, Kulte Centre for Contemporary Art (Rabat, Morocco) will be running a bookshop at La Mamounia. Promoting rare and specific publications …
Also known as Yassine Alaoui Ismail, Yoriyas is a Casablanca-based photographer and performer. Attempting to capture the fleeting moments, Yoriyas’ spontaneous photographs reveal beautiful instants …
Last summer in Arusha, Tanzania, 1-54 Founding Director Touria El Glaoui presented her talk ‘Inside Africa’s thriving art scene’ for TEDGlobal 2017 – Builders, Truth …
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair is delighted to announce the galleries participating in the inaugural Marrakech edition, at La Mamounia 24–25 February 2018, with a …
Last Tuesday evening 1-54 joined forces with MACAAL (Musée d’Art Contemporain Africain Al Maaden) to celebrate the inaugural edition of 1-54 Marrakech and the international …
You can now buy online the catalogue of 1-54 London 2017, with one-page biographies for every exhibiting artist, full gallery profiles and sections dedicated to …
If you have missed the chance to visit the fifth edition of 1-54 London 2017, catch up with what you missed through our Youtube page, …
This interview was originally published in the October 2017 issue of New African, to coincide with the fifth edition of 1-54 London. Known for his …
In celebration of the fifth anniversary London edition of 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, the Special Projects include live performances by artists Hana Tefrati and Adejoke …
With screenings everyday from 12:00 to 13:00 between the 6-8 October, Goodman Gallery presents a film programme entitled History is Not Mine for the fifth …
For the 1-54 London 2017 Lounge commission, London-based designer Yinka Ilori injects an array of colours into the space. Entitled A United Family eats from …
Starting today, in advance of 1-54 London 2017 opening next week, browse and collect artworks on Artsy. Explore booths, save favourites, submit inquiries, and follow …
Launched by 1-54 in 2014, Special Projects champions the work of nonprofit cultural organisations and art centres with the aim of realising unique projects and …
LET’S TALK ABOUT ART: NANDO’S AT 1-54 As the Silver Sponsor of 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair for the second consecutive year, Nando’s has close …
We are thrilled to announce such a wonderful mix of exhibitors for our fifth London edition. It is very exciting to welcome some new galleries …
The full program of FORUM talks from the third edition of 1-54 New York is now available here. 1-54 FORUM, the fair’s annual talks program, …
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, the leading international art fair dedicated to promoting contemporary art from a diverse set of African perspectives, is pleased to …
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair is pleased to announce the selected galleries for its third New York fair at Pioneer Works in Brooklyn! Taking …