On May 1 in New York, 1-54 New York opens for the first time in Chelsea’s sweeping Starrett-Lehigh Building, on view through May 4. The contemporary African art fair founded by Touria El Glaoui journeys annually from London to New York to Marrakech, exhibiting momentous contemporary artworks developed in Africa and its diaspora.
This year, 32 international galleries will join forces, emerging as an energetic and multi-faceted community committed to captivating and educating visitors of all ages.
Trevor Stuurman, “From Africa With Love,” 2024, Chromogenic print mounted under Diasec, 84.1 x 118.9 cm.; courtesy of the Artist & THK Gallery.
1-54 Art Fair at the Historic Starrett-Lehigh Building
Within the Chelsea Arts District, the historic Starrett-Lehigh Building is nearly 100 years old and currently stands as a pioneering 2.3 million-square-foot property that uplifts leading organizations in media, design, architecture, technology, fashion, and entertainment.
Surrounded by vivacious art galleries, the distinguished cultural hub is a match made in heaven for the celebratory 10th edition of 1-54 New York.
“We are honored to make our return to New York after last year’s great success,” remarked El Glaoui, 1-54’s Founding Director. “This year’s gallery participants and fair partners will make for an incredible selection of artwork and programming that we are excited for our visitors to see.”
Reggie Khumalo, “The Return to Eden,” 2023. Acrylic on canvas, 300 x 200 cm.; courtesy of The African Art Hub (TAAH).
Gallery Presentations and Panel Discussions
Ardently devoted to the renewed global consciousness of African modern and contemporary art, as well as its essential position in the historical art landscape, 1-54 brings a shimmering array of trailblazing gallery exhibitions, panel discussions, and creative festivities to the international art capital.
Participating galleries including Mindy Solomon Gallery (Miami, United States), The Melrose Gallery (Johannesburg, South Africa), Gallery Nosco (Brussels, Belgium), Ed Cross Fine Art (London, United Kingdom), Berman Contemporary (Johannesburg, South Africa), Amasaka Gallery (Masaka / Kampala, Uganda), and THK Gallery (Cape Town, South Africa) shine radiant light on contemporary African and diasporic visionaries.
Ozioma Onuzulike, Royal Mask for the Jagaban II,” 2023, Earthenware and stoneware clays, ash glazes, recycled glasses and copper wires (4,756 ceramic palm kernel shell beads), 170 x 140 x 12 cm.; courtesy of the artist.
A Spotlight on Inspiring Partnerships
The must-see art fair celebrates 5 years of significant collaboration with Christie’s global auction house, embracing new initiatives such as the inaugural Asian iteration of 1-54 Presents at Christie’s Hong Kong this past March.
1-54 Art Fair will bring a sensorial INFINIMENT COTY PARIS gallery experience to visitors in New York, offering a decadent fragrance collection that regards art cycling as an integral aspect of the olfactory encounter; new, stackable fragrance bottles by commissioned, emerging artists are creatively revitalizing for mind, body, and soul.
“Art gives soul to luxury,” explained Co-Founders Sue Nabi and Nicolas Vu, who will elevate each artist by displaying an avant-premier of their works—invoking the brand’s unique fragrance narratives—at each 1-54 iteration across the globe.
Anya Paintsil, “I am a one man band II,” 2023, Acrylic and wool on hessian, 48 x 60; courtesy of the artist and THK Gallery.
Visitors Embark on A New Special Projects Programme
The Special Projects Partnership is newly invigorated with Black Rock Global Arts Foundation, and an enthralling booth of majestic works by its alumni will make an appearance in London, Marrakech, and New York.
A substantial portion of revenue will benefit leading-edge artists who enrich the dialogue on contemporary African art.
In New York, creations by Grace Lynne Haynes (Year 1, Painter), Tajh Rust (Year 1, Painter), and Collins Obijiaku (Year 2, Painter) expand the very definition of portraiture to include three skilled and forward-thinking methods of illustrating the interior and exterior landscape of the mysterious and ever-evolving self.
Lucas Almeida, “Vulto 12,” 2021, acrylic paint and collage on cardboard fixed to a chassis; courtesy of the artist & Nil Gallery.
What is INFINIMENT COTY PARIS?
Born in Africa, Sue is passionate about all aspects of science, she has an optimistic spirit, and an ambition to create a “desirable future.” At her side is Nicolas, born in Asia, steeped in urban culture, and always placing the socio-cultural dimension at the core of his creative mindset. Our fragrances are supported by avant-garde science and the noblest ingredients in perfumery. Proudly conveying their messages, the highly concentrated compositions incorporate innovative technology that preserves the signature scent. — Source
Aidan Marak, “Son regard Sordide, 2023,” Mixed media and acrylic on canvas, 178 x 152 cm.; courtesy of So Art Gallery.
What is Black Rock Global Arts Foundation?
Black Rock Global Arts Foundation was established by Kehinde Wiley to develop and support initiatives that connect artists and creative thinkers throughout the world with opportunities to collaborate, create, and live in locations of cultural significance on the African continent and throughout the African diaspora. The Foundation supports the artist residency program Black Rock Senegal, which invites each year a group of multidisciplinary, international artists to live and create work in Dakar, Senegal.
The residency brings together international artists to live and work in Dakar, Senegal for 1-3 month stays. The compound, designed by Abib Djenne, Fatiya Djenne, and Aissa Dione alongside Wiley, includes three residency apartments and adjacent studio spaces for visiting artists. Black Rock’s mission is to support new artistic creation through collaborative exchange and to incite change in the global discourse about what Africa means today.
The Kehinde Wiley Shop began as a partnership between Wiley and Black Rock Senegal to create limited edition merchandise and apparel featuring the artist’s personal favorite compositions from his archives to support the residency.
“As an Artist who works in the west I desired a space of renewal to explore new ideas and to create work outside of a western context —to create work within the context of my own lineage. Black Rock stands as the direct answer to my desire to have an uncontested relationship with Africa, the filling in of a large void that I share with many African Americans.” – Kehinde Wiley, 2019 — Source
