From 16–19 October, the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair returns to Somerset House for its 13th consecutive year and this one’s shaping up to be its most dynamic yet. As the leading international fair dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora, 1-54 has always been about the connection between artists and audiences, between the continent and its global community.
This year, that spirit runs even deeper. The 2025 edition sees a wave of new galleries representing voices from across Africa and the wider diaspora, marking an important moment in how contemporary art from the global majority world is being seen and celebrated. It’s a shift that feels timely, one that recentres the narratives of art, creativity, and culture where they began.
A Fair Rooted in Home, Spanning the World
Across Somerset House’s grand halls and courtyards, over fifty galleries from thirteen countries will exhibit works from more than one hundred artists. From painting and photography to textiles, sculpture, ceramics, and performance, the fair continues to stretch the definition of what contemporary African art can look like.
Renowned names like Hassan Hajjaj, Ibrahim El-Salahi, Lakwena Maciver, and Seydou Keïta share space with a new generation of rising and emerging artists, including Joël Bigaignon, Zenaéca Singh, Khadija El Abyad, and Afeez Onakoya, each offering fresh visions of identity, place, and more.
Running alongside the fair, Somerset House will also present the first major solo exhibition by Black British photographer Jennie Baptiste, whose work captures the energy and evolution of youth, fashion, and music within London’s Black British diaspora since the 1990s. Her exhibition offers a poetic reflection on visibility and self-expression, a powerful complement to 1-54’s celebration of global Black creativity.
Nigeria and South Africa in Focus
If there’s a country commanding attention this year, it’s Nigeria. More than fifteen Nigerian artists will be shown across the fair, reflecting the country’s undeniable presence in shaping contemporary African art. Highlights include Samuel Nnorom, represented by Affinity Gallery, whose sculptural storytelling through fabric and foam blurs the line between material and metaphor. Austin Uzor, showing with MAĀT Gallery, brings dreamlike canvases that explore the terrain between memory and migration. Meanwhile, Ayoola Gbolahan, exhibited by The 1897 Gallery, continues to investigate spirituality, colour, and cultural continuity in his bold, textural paintings.
These artists form part of a strong Nigerian gallery line-up, including Rele, O’DA Art, SOTO, and Affinity Gallery, each representing a vital piece of the country’s ever-evolving creative ecosystem.
South Africa also brings a powerful presence to the 2025 edition, with galleries like Afronova, Guns & Rain, Kalashnikovv, FILAFRIQUES, and Eclectica Contemporary all showcasing work that spans painting, photography, and mixed media. Among the artists to watch are Reggie Khumalo, whose work journeys through self and spirituality; Zana Masombuka, known for fusing photography and Ndebele symbolism in deeply personal narratives; and Boemo Diale, whose multidisciplinary practice explores femininity and the divine in contemporary culture. It’s a vibrant cross-section of voices, each rooted locally yet speaking powerfully to a global audience.
Collaborations, Partnerships & Special Projects
Beyond the booths, 1-54 London expands into a constellation of creative partnerships and cultural collaborations that deepen the fair’s impact. This year’s Special Projects bring together fashion, heritage, and contemporary design through Art Comes First, which traces the shared histories of African craftsmanship and British tailoring. Everyday Lusaka Gallery reimagines Zambia’s photographic heritage through an archival lens, while Nando’s continues its long-term partnership with the Spier Arts Trust, supporting emerging South African artists. Picha Art Centre and Seed Archives add further layers of storytelling, broadening the dialogue between memory, material, and identity.
Supporting these projects are the fair’s partners, who help shape its global reach and sustainability. Afreximbank joins as Lead Partner, reinforcing its commitment to championing African art and creative economies across the continent. Christie’s, a long-time collaborator, continues to provide an international platform for artists and galleries through its global networks. Meanwhile, INFINIMENT COTY PARIS returns with its innovative Artcycling Project, inviting twenty-three artists — among them Thandiwe Muriu and Zana Masombuka — to transform fragrance packaging into sculptural works of art. Together, these collaborations illustrate how 1-54 functions not only as a fair but as a living ecosystem of creative exchange, bridging heritage, innovation, and community.
Conclusion
Thirteen years in, 1-54 is a cultural compass. It continues to remind us that African and diasporic art isn’t a side story within the global art world.
And this year, with artists and galleries from the continent and beyond leading the dialogue, the pulse beats stronger and more grounded than ever.
FAQs
What is 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair?
Founded by Touria El Glaoui in 2013, 1-54 is the leading international fair dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. Its name references Africa’s fifty-four countries, a nod to the continent’s vast diversity. The fair now runs annually in London, Marrakech, and New York, with pop-up editions in Paris, establishing itself as a global meeting point for artists, collectors, curators, and cultural thinkers.
When and where is this year’s London edition happening?
The fair will take place at Somerset House in London from 16–19 October 2025. The Press Preview opens on Thursday 16 October, followed by Public Days from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 October. Opening hours are from 11 AM to 7 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 11 AM to 6 PM on Sunday. Tickets are available via 1-54.com.
Why does this year’s edition matter?
Now in its thirteenth year, 1-54 continues to evolve, reflecting not just the growing global interest in African art, but also the agency of artists, curators, and galleries shaping their own narratives. With more representation from Africa and the diaspora than ever before, this edition feels particularly significant. It’s a moment that underscores how artists from the continent and beyond are not merely participating in the global art conversation; they’re leading it.
Who are some of the key artists to look out for?
Expect to see both acclaimed masters and emerging talents. The line-up includes internationally celebrated artists like Hassan Hajjaj, Lakwena Maciver, and Ibrahim El-Salahi, alongside rising voices such as Afeez Onakoya, Zenaéca Singh, and Khadija El Abyad. It’s this balance of legacy and new energy that gives 1-54 its unique rhythm and relevance.
Are there exhibitions beyond the fair itself?
Yes. Running alongside the fair, Somerset House will host the first major solo exhibition by Jennie Baptiste, the trailblazing Black British photographer known for documenting youth culture, music, and style since the 1990s. Her exhibition is open to all 1-54 ticket holders and will continue through to 4 January 2026.
How does 1-54 connect with the wider creative community?
Through long-standing collaborations with institutions such as Christie’s, Afreximbank, and INFINIMENT COTY PARIS, the fair actively nurtures cross-industry dialogue linking art with fashion, design, and heritage. It’s not only a space for showcasing talent but a platform for shaping the future of cultural production across borders.
How can I keep up with updates and highlights?
Follow @154artfair on Instagram and use #154artfair for artist spotlights, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments throughout the week.
Member discussion