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Damilola Onosowobo, "Chewing on a straw," 2023

The 12th Edition of 1-54 London Radiates at Somerset House

Within this spellbinding edition, more than 60 exhibitors from around the world—highlighting 23 countries—will participate. With the largest number of new galleries in the fair’s history, as well as an engaging focus on Brazilian, Moroccan, and Ghanaian visionaries, this year’s presentation is surely not to be missed.

On October 10 in London, the trailblazing 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair makes an ebullient fall return to Somerset House, on view through October 13. Reveling in its 12th consecutive year in the city, the premier global fair continues to place the dynamic contemporary art of Africa and the African diaspora at its heart. Within this spellbinding edition, more than 60 exhibitors from around the world—highlighting 23 countries—will participate. With the largest number of new galleries in the fair’s history, as well as an engaging focus on Brazilian, Moroccan, and Ghanaian visionaries, this year’s presentation is surely not to be missed. An ever-evolving partnership with INFINIMENT COTY PARIS—which unfolds this year with artwork utilizing the brand’s mesmeric stackable fragrance bottles—as well as with Christie’s, champions the critical and joyful endeavor for an international audience. 

Dola Posh, Dola Posh, “Mother’s Day ‘Year 3,'” 2023, Hahnemühle bamboo-fibre papers, 74 x 64 cm, Edition of 2. Courtesy of Artist and Cynthia Corbett Gallery.

Celebrating the Talents of Established and Emerging Artists 

“It is great to be back in Somerset House for our 12th edition,” said Founding Director Touria El Glaoui. “This year’s fair unites artists from more countries than ever before, with a significant portion new to the London edition. We are excited to be emphasizing artists from Morocco, Ghana and Brazil this year. The diversity and richness of the artworks on display reflect the dynamic and evolving nature of contemporary African art, and we are thrilled to be able to provide a platform that celebrates the talents of both established and emerging artists.”

“The diversity and richness of the artworks on display reflect the dynamic and evolving nature of contemporary African art,”

—Touria El Glaoui

Sophia Kacimi, Sophia Kacimi, “Zoubida” giant chess board in Fes by Osama Ahdi.

23 New Galleries and Over 160 Artists Participate in 1-54 London 

23 vibrant galleries take part in 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair for the very first time, including Amasaka Gallery (Masaka, Uganda), Cynthia Corbett Gallery (London, United Kingdom), Galerie REVEL (Bordeaux, France), House of Beau (Rabat, Morocco), OOA Gallery (Barcelona, Spain), Pearl Lam Galleries (Hong Kong, China), and The Melrose Gallery (Johannesburg, South Africa). 

More than 160 groundbreaking artists are brought together at the extensive fair, from distinguished creatives like Tuli Mekondjo, Mous Lamrabat, and Esther Mahlangu, to emerging visionaries such as  Layo Bright, Kofi Perry, and Freya Bramble-Carter. Juxtaposing photography, painting, mixed media, sculpture, installation, and performance, 1-54 London provides both a far-reaching and close-up look at some of the most innovative minds in the global art landscape. 

Nana Fremah, Nana Fremah, “WAVE,” 2023, Acrylic on canvas, oil pastel, 120 x 180 cm. Courtesy of the Artist and My Runway Group.

Special and Experiential Projects Inspire All Ages 

A myriad of special projects kindle vital cultural conversation at this year’s fair. London-based Nigerian artist Slawn will unveil his prismatic artistry across two London double-decker buses; situated in the fair’s courtyard, the colossal works of art investigate social connection and accessibility. Artist and filmmaker Topher Campbell brilliantly curates “Making a rukus! Black Queer Histories through Love and Resistance,” a dazzling and purposeful study of Black LGBTQIA+ ingenuity and activism. 

INFINIMENT COTY PARIS fuses the realms of fragrance and art with wondrous creations by Slimen Elkamel, Derrick O Boateng, Valerie Ohana Azogui, Anaëlle Myriam Chaaib and Tiffanie Delune. Thoughtfully curated by My Runway Group, “Dreaming in Colour” is a rich cultural exchange program that will inspire all ages with works by Ghanaian visionaries Reinhard Agyekum, Nana Fremah, and more. In addition, French-Moroccan Sophia Kacimi brings an immersive chessboard of jacquard fabrics to the fair, uplifting the work of masterful artisans and timeless modes of craftsmanship. 

Abe Odedina, Abe Odedina, “The girl next door,” 2023, Acrylic on plywood, 122 x 165 cm. Courtesy of Ed Cross Fine Art.
Damilola Onosowobo, Damilola Onosowobo, “Chewing on a straw,” 2023, Oil on Canvas, 48 x 60 inches. Courtesy of Affinity Gallery.

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