1-54 is the first leading international art fair dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. Founded by Touria El Glaoui, the fair has held annual editions in London since 2013, New York since 2015, and Marrakech since 2018. 1-54 London will return for its 9th edition at Somerset House this October, featuring a spectacular special projects program in parallel to an unrivaled showcase of 48 galleries presenting work from more than 150 artists from Africa and its diaspora. The event includes the following highlights:
Redefining The Trend- Histories in the Making
From 9 – 15 October, 1-54 in partnership with Christie’s will be exhibiting Redefining The Trend- Histories in the making, at Christie’s Duke street space, in London. Curated by Christine Eyene, the exhibition explores how new artistic practices from Africa and the diaspora contribute to the defining of present aesthetics, discourses, and creative processes while opening new chapters in the continent’s art histories.
Courtyard Sculpture Commission
London-based artist Lakwena Maciver, represented by Vigo Gallery, has been selected for the 2021 edition of the 1-54 Courtyard Sculpture Commission. With the support of Vigo Gallery, Maciver will be creating 20 large and interactive basketball paintings and an additional installation in Somerset House West Wing corridors of Nothing Can Separate Us flags.
01.01 Art Platform
01.01 Art Platform, a platform on which contemporary art buyers can collect more ethically and sustainably, particularly from Africa and its diaspora, will be showcasing the work of Mestre Didi and Abdiasdo Nascimento at the fair this year.
The 1-54 Annual book
The 1-54 Annual book is a compilation of all of the artists, galleries, and public programs presented by 1-54 between 2020 to 2021. The book includes a biography from each artist and a profile of each gallery, as well as insightful artist interviews and transcriptions of the most impactful and memorable 1-54 Forum panel discussions that took place over the year.
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Image: Lakwena Maciver, Nothing Can Separate Us, 2021, Hand-stitched patchwork with appliqué, 116 x 153 cm. Courtesy of Vigo Gallery
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