In the heart of Marrakesh, the annual 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair has invigorated the local art scene, leveraging the city’s rich aesthetic heritage to showcase emerging African artists to an international audience.
The recent edition featured 30 galleries from 14 countries across Africa and Europe, attracting collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts worldwide.
Instagram | @154artfair
Established in London in 2013, the fair expanded to New York in 2015 and Marrakesh in 2018. Unlike larger events such as Art Basel or London’s Frieze, 1-54 offers a more intimate setting, drawing approximately 10,000 visitors, including 3,000 international guests. This scale fosters a convivial atmosphere, allowing attendees to discover new talents without the pressures often associated with major art fairs.
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The fair showcased works by renowned artists like Ghanaian painter Amoako Boafo, whose pieces garnered attention from institutions such as Britain’s Tate.
Emerging talents were also highlighted, including Ethiopian photographer Maheder Haileselassie Tadesse and Sudanese-Somali ceramicist Dina Nur Satti. Figurative paintings by Nigerian artist Chigozie Obi and Ghanaian Adjei Tawiah were prominently featured, with prices ranging from $50 for screen prints to several thousand dollars for larger works.
Instagram | @154artfair
In 2024, the fair celebrated the contributions of South African artist Dr. Esther Mahlangu. At the London edition, her book “To Paint Is in My Heart” was unveiled, offering an in-depth look into her journey from rural Mpumalanga to global acclaim as a master of Ndebele art. A solo exhibition of her work at the fair received enthusiastic responses, further cementing her legacy in contemporary African art.
The energy brought by 1-54 has transformed Marrakesh into a cultural hub, with local galleries and studios hosting their own exhibitions to capitalise on the influx of international visitors. Galleries from other cities have also established a presence in Marrakesh, recognising the city’s growing artistic appeal. The fair has become an unmissable event, contributing significantly to the global recognition of African contemporary art.
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Written by Jade McGee for Woman&Home.
