1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair 2019
The 1-54 Art Fair celebrates contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. Now in its seventh year, the fair is set to showcase the works of more than 150 multidisciplinary artists worldwide.
Exhibitions
One of the fair’s highlights is the exhibition “I Came Apart At The Seams” by Mary Sibande, one of South Africa’s most prominent contemporary artists. In her first solo UK exhibition, Sibande presents photographic and sculptural works that explore the power of imagination and righteous anger in shaping post-colonial identity in South Africa.
The Lounge
The 1-54 Lounge is an immersive experience inspired by the unique concepts in Yoruba heritage and African art. The lounge promises to be a fair highlight, presented by Distill2710, the design studio and consultancy by Tola Ojuolape.
The Forum
The 1-54 FORUM is the fair’s extensive talks and events programme, featuring artist talks, film screenings and panel discussions with international curators, artists and cultural producers. The talks programme is curated by Kerryn Greenberg, Head of International Collection Exhibitions at Tate, focusing on the legacy of Nigerian curator Bisi Silva.
Dining
For those needing sustenance, Chuku, the world’s first Nigerian tapas restaurant, will serve up plates of authentic Nigerian flavours in the 1-54 Lounge, from caramel kuli kuli chicken wings to moi-moi vegan tart.
About 1-54 Contemporary Art Fair
1-54 African Art Fair was founded by Touria El Glaoui, a Moroccan curator and entrepreneur who recognised the need for a platform to bring contemporary African art to a broader audience. The name “1-54” refers to the 54 countries in Africa, and the fair’s mission is to showcase the diversity and richness of contemporary art from across the continent and its diaspora.
The fair has grown in popularity over the years, attracting increasing visitors and exhibitors. In addition to showcasing artwork, the fair hosts a program of talks, screenings, and performances, providing a forum for dialogue and exchange among artists, curators, and scholars. The fair has also launched a digital platform, 1-54 Online, which allows visitors to access the fair’s programming and view artworks online.
1-54 African Art Fair has played an essential role in promoting contemporary African art and challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about the continent. By showcasing the diversity and richness of African artistic production, the fair has helped to create new opportunities for African artists and to connect them with global audiences. It has also contributed to a broader cultural dialogue about the role of contemporary art in shaping our understanding of the world.
Tickets
The 1-54 Contemporary Art Fair will be held from 3 – 6 October at Somerset House in London. The fair also runs shows in New York and Marrakech, making it a global platform for contemporary African art. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the richness and diversity of African artistic production. To purchase tickets, head to the Somerset House website.
