In the last decade, contemporary African art has surged to the forefront of the global art market–one of the pillars of influence can be recognised in the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair. Founded in 2013 by Touria El Glaoui, 1-54 has become a vital platform for showcasing African and African diasporic artists, bringing their works into the orbit of collectors, curators, and institutions worldwide.
A Vision for the Diaspora
At the heart of 1-54’s success is El Glaoui's leadership. The daughter of Moroccan artist Hassan El Glaoui, she grew up immersed in the world of African art, and her vision for the fair reflects a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding African artistic representation. Under her guidance, 1-54 has become a crucial node in the global art world, linking artists, galleries, and institutions across continents.
For African artists, the diaspora plays a pivotal role in shaping contemporary art, providing a space where hybrid identities and transnational narratives can flourish. 1-54, by placing the African diaspora at the core of its mission, acknowledges this dynamic. "African art is not limited to the continent," says El Glaoui. "The diaspora is central to our vision, and through the fair, we are able to connect artists with their heritage while allowing them to engage with global art trends."
As El Glaoui herself notes, "1-54 is a platform where African and African-diasporic artists and galleries can connect with a global audience." Through this mission, the fair has not only amplified the visibility of African art but also reshaped its narrative within international markets".
The rise of 1-54 mirrors broader trends in the global art world, where collectors and institutions are increasingly turning their attention to underrepresented voices. Contemporary African art has been historically sidelined in Western-dominated art markets, often framed through an ethnographic lens rather than celebrated for its creativity and innovation.
"We prioritize galleries from the continent," says El Glaoui, "aiming to support an international presence." This commitment is critical as many galleries participate in their first international art fairs through 1-54, as was the case with Amasaka Gallery from Uganda. The gallery gained significant visibility after their debut at the fair, proving the event’s efficacy in launching African galleries onto the world stage.
A Shifting Global Landscape
The growing prominence of 1-54 coincides with broader shifts in global art markets. In recent years, collectors from Europe, North America, and Asia have increasingly looked beyond traditional Western art centers in search of new narratives and fresh voices. African art, with its rich diversity and ability to engage with global issues, from migration to identity politics, has become a focal point in these explorations. Yet despite the increasing demand, African artists still face barriers to visibility and representation, a challenge that 1-54 seeks to address.
“The fair’s selection process aims to elevate African galleries," says El Glaoui, “and we work closely with them to ensure their participation goes beyond just a transactional experience.” By facilitating workshops, fostering networks, and providing a space for dialogue, 1-54 has created a more sustainable model of engagement.
“We’ve partnered with foundations, residency programs, and sponsors to offer new creative opportunities to artists,” El Glaoui explains, signaling that the fair is as much about long-term development as it is about immediate sales. Indeed, the economic impact of art fairs like 1-54 on the global market is undeniable. Art fairs generate millions of dollars in sales, but beyond the transactions, they also shape the discourse of art history by introducing new artists to collectors, museums, and scholars.
Through its multiple editions in London, New York, and Marrakesh, 1-54 has established itself as a key player among international art fairs. Its competitors, such as Art Basel and Frieze, may dominate in scale, but 1-54 has carved out a unique niche by focusing exclusively on Africa and its diaspora. This singular focus has allowed the fair to shape the global conversation around contemporary African art and to do so with authority.
Navigating Challenges of Representation
However, the road has not been without obstacles. African artists continue to grapple with issues of visibility and representation, particularly in the context of the global north. While African art is in high demand, its presence in major Western institutions remains limited. El Glaoui reflects on this challenge: "In terms of inclusivity, we’ve been intentional about ensuring that the fair is accessible to a broad audience, from emerging collectors to those new to contemporary African art." This focus on accessibility is crucial in fostering a broader appreciation of African art, ensuring it does not become pigeonholed or treated as a passing trend.
The challenges extend beyond the galleries themselves. African artists often face systemic issues that limit their exposure on the global stage. Infrastructure gaps, economic instability, and the lingering effects of colonialism on the continent have hampered the growth of its art market. "We’ve seen a rise in African galleries," says El Glaoui, "but the infrastructure to support these galleries, from funding to curatorial support, still lags behind other regions." Here, 1-54 plays a critical role, not only by showcasing artists but by fostering a support ecosystem that connects them with residency programs, sponsorship opportunities, and long-term institutional support.
The 2024 Edition and the Future
As 1-54 prepares for its 12th London edition, expectations are high. "We are welcoming more than 60 galleries from 23 different countries," says El Glaoui, highlighting the fair’s continued commitment to diversity. This year's edition places particular emphasis on gender, power, and identity within African and diasporic contexts, with curated special projects led by women artists. One such project is Manuela Jardim’s "A Leader, since Ramses II," which explores the role of women in leadership and community-building across African cultures. It is this kind of thought-provoking work that underscores the importance of African art in engaging with global narratives.
Beyond the fair's commercial aspects, 1-54 continues to serve as a vital space for critical conversations. "The fair's talks and panel discussions will tackle pressing topics such as decolonizing art spaces, gender representation, and the role of contemporary African art in shaping global narratives," says El Glaoui. In doing so, 1-54 ensures that it remains not just a marketplace but a forum for intellectual and cultural exchange.
The Details
VIP and Press Preview
Thursday 10 October11:00 – 19:00[by invitation only]
Public and VIP Opening
Friday 11 October11:00 – 19:00
Saturday 12 October11:00 – 19:00
Sunday 13 October11:00 – 18:00
Location
Somerset HouseStrand, LondonWC2R 1LAUnited Kingdom
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