1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair's 12th Edition at Somerset House, London

1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair is delighted to return to Somerset House for the 12th consecutive year across four days, from 10 – 13 October 2024 (Press Preview 10 October). As the leading international art fair dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and the African diaspora, 1-54 London 2024 will host over 60 international exhibitors, representing 23 countries.

tl;dr

• Twelfth consecutive edition of 1-54 in London sees highest number of new galleries participating since the fair’s inception.
• This year, over 60 international galleries are showcasing a diverse selection of leading contemporary artists from Africa and its diaspora.
• A special spotlight highlights Ghanaian, Moroccan and Brazilian artists and galleries.
• The fair's partnership with Christie's continues to enhance the international exposure of contemporary African art.
• 1-54's collaboration with Haute Parfumerie brand INFINIMENT COTY PARIS will keep highlighting the intersection of art and high-end fragrance with the introduction of new artworks created with the infinitely stackable fragrance bottle.

Dates and times

• Photocall: Thursday 10 October, 8.30 am – 9 am
• VIP and Press Preview: Thursday 10 October, 11 am - 7 pm⁠
• Public and VIP Opening: Friday 11 October, 11 am - 7 pm⁠ / Saturday 12 October, 11 am - 7 pm⁠ / Sunday 13 October, 11 am - 6 pm⁠

Social media

• Website: 1-54.com
• Twitter: @154artfair
• Instagram: @154artfair
• Facebook: 154ContemporaryAfricanArtFair
• #154artfair

Of the 60+ international exhibitors, over a third are from the African continent, with 23 newcomer galleries making their 1-54 London edition debuts. Newcomers to the fair include;

Both new and returning exhibitors will showcase the works of over 160 artists spanning an array of mediums; from painting, photography and sculpture, to mixed media, performance and installation. The fair will feature renowned artists such as Esther Mahlangu, Tuli Mekondjo and Mous Lamrabat, alongside young and emerging talents including Freya Bramble-Carter, Layo Bright and Kofi Perry.

This year, Brazil will see a strong representative presence, with galleries such as Galeria Karla Osario, VERVE and Portas Vilaseca Galeria participating and showcasing the works of Alexis Peskine, Ana Beatriz Almeida, Matheus Marques Abu, Henrique Oliveira, Nadia Taquary, Diambe da Silva, Caio Marcolini and Zéh Palito.

“It is great to be back in Somerset House for our 12th edition,” says Founding Director Touria El Glaoui. “This year’s fair will unite artists from more countries than ever before, with a significant portion new to the London edition. We are excited to be emphasising 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.”

Now in its fifth consecutive year, 1-54’s continued partnership with Christie’s signals the fair’s strong and dynamic relationship with the global auction house. The collaboration also demonstrates Christie’s commitment to showcasing contemporary African art to its global client base and enhancing exposure for the fair internationally.

1-54 is also pleased to continue its creative partnership with INFINIMENT COTY PARIS, a high-end fragrance collection which was launched globally earlier this year by Coty Inc., one of the world’s largest beauty companies. The brand will collaborate with five artists for the fair. Follow INFINIMENT COTY PARIS on Instagram.

About 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair

With annual editions in London, Marrakech and New York, as well as pop-up fairs in Paris, 1-54 is the leading international art fair dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. Drawing reference to the 54 countries that constitute the African continent, 1-54 is a sustainable and dynamic platform that is engaged in contemporary dialogue and exchange. Initiated by Touria El Glaoui in 2013, October 2024 will mark the fair’s 12th anniversary celebrations in London with its flagship fair at Somerset House in London.

About Christie’s

Founded in 1766, Christie’s is a world-leading art and luxury business with a physical presence in 46 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific, and flagship international sales hubs in New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris and Geneva. Renowned and trusted for our expert live and online-only auctions, as well as bespoke Private Sales, Christie’s unparalleled network of specialists offers our clients a full portfolio of global services, including art appraisal, art financing, international real estate and education. Christie’s auctions span more than 80 art and luxury categories, at price points ranging from $500 to over $100 million. Christie’s has sold 7 of the 10 most important single-owner collections in history, achieved the world record price for an artwork at auction, launched the first fully on-chain auction platform dedicated to exceptional NFT art and manages an investment fund to support innovative startups in the art market. Christie’s is also committed to advancing responsible culture throughout its business and communities worldwide. To learn more, browse, bid, discover, and join us for the best of art and luxury at christies.com or by downloading Christie’s apps.

About Somerset House

Step Inside, Think Outside

As the home of cultural innovators, Somerset House is a site of origination, with a cultural programme offering alternative perspectives covering the biggest issues of our time. We are a place of joy and discovery, where everyone is invited to Step Inside and Think Outside.

From our historic site in the heart of London, we work globally across art, creativity, business, and non-profit; nurturing new talent, methods and technologies. Our resident community of creative enterprises, arts organisations, artists and makers, makes us a centre of ideas, with most of our programme talent being home-grown.

We sit at the meeting point of artistic and social innovation, bringing worlds and minds together to create surprising and often magical results. Our spirit of constant curiosity and counter perspectives is integral to our history and key to our future.

About INFINIMENT COTY PARIS

In 1904, Coty transformed the art of perfumery through its revolutionary approach to raw materials, pioneering a groundbreaking blend of natural and synthetic ingredients. 120 years later, Sue Nabi and Nicolas Vu live that heritage, introducing a new chapter under the name of INFINIMENT COTY PARIS, bridging the past and the future. A forward-looking collection of 14 fragrances seamlessly blending art, science, and emotion.

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