1-54 London, the 2023 edition: using technology to support women, translate climatic information through art, and engage with the disabled communities of Ghana
The first and only international fair dedicated to contemporary African art: 1-54 art fair
The 11th installment of 1-54 in London boasts the largest number of exhibitors to date, with additional exhibition space at Somerset House. Featuring over sixty international galleries, the event showcases a selection of contemporary artists from Africa and its diaspora, including an increase in galleries from the African continent and a strong female presence among the exhibitors. Attendees can expect to view the works of over one hundred and seventy artists, spanning mediums from painting to sculpture, and installation.
The collaboration between 1-54 African Art Fair and Christie’s auction house
As 1-54 enters its fourth year in partnership with Christie’s, its relationship with the global auction house remains steadfast. This collaborative effort further highlights Christie’s dedication to presenting contemporary African art to its clientele while simultaneously expanding the fair’s reach on an international scale. The partnership will also feature the second edition of 1-54 Presents, a series of pop-up exhibitions by 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, from October 9th to 14th at Christie’s London location.
Illuminate the light transforms the courtyard at Somerset House during 1-54 London – twelve sculptures symbolizing the diversity of the African continent
During the 2023 edition of the fair, the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court at Somerset House is currently featuring an exhibition by Moroccan artist, Amine El Gotaibi. In collaboration with MCC Gallery in Marrakech, the display, titled ‘Illuminate the Light’, showcases twelve geometric sculptures inspired by the seeds of a pomegranate.
Each sculpture boasts a distinct shape and color, symbolizing the diversity and richness of the African continent. El Gotaibi uses light as a solid medium within the sculptures, creating a visual display that serves as a metaphor for the beauty of Africa, countering negative stereotypes often associated with the region. At dusk, the sculptures transform into luminous installations, further emphasizing El Gotaibi’s philosophy that light emerges from darkness.
artHARARE strive to platform emerging artists from Zimbabwe and its diaspora at 1-54 London
In 2020, artHARARE was established with the goal of supporting and promoting the development of contemporary art practice in Zimbabwe and its diaspora. It is part of a larger community of institutions and platforms founded by artists who aim to grow the African art scene and make it more accessible to wider audiences. At artHARARE, they are committed to support the work of the next generation of artists from Zimbabwe and providing them with a dynamic pathway to present and celebrate their work globally.
To promote contemporary art from Zimbabwe, artHARARE presents a selection of artworks by leading emerging visual artists, such as Franklyn Dzingai, Wilfred Timire, Tafadzwa Tega, Dzikamai Nyahunzvi, Prudence Chimutuwah, Mostaff Muchawaya, and Linnet Rubaya, at 1-54 London. The works span various media, including mixed media, prints, works on canvas, and paintings.
This project showcases a generation of contemporary visual artists who give light to their nation, its people, and their dreams, challenges, hopes, and morals through their artworks.
Using technology to support women, translate climatic information, and engage with the disabled communities in Ghana
At 1-54, Afroscope, Alice Raymond and Kwaku Opoku present their works born from collaborations with women’s textile weaving collectives and Nubuke Foundation Centre for Textile and Clay in Wa, Ghana. The Foundation extended an invitation to artists and creatives to design projects that would improve the livelihoods of women textile weavers in Wa, Nandowli and Nandom.
Utilizing digital technology, the displayed works offer a reinterpretation of indigenous knowledge systems that have been used for centuries. These works establish a connection between woven strips and music, translate climatic information through color and motifs, and engage with the visually impaired and deaf community in Wa innovatively.
At the Nubuke Foundation’s Wa site, audience is invited to explore its traditional views and involvement with textiles and art. Through a live digital platform, they can engage with hand-woven strip communities and admire the expertise and attention to detail utilized by the visually impaired in creating furniture.
Mr Eazi’s album as a statement on the flourishing of contemporary African art
‘The Evil Genius’ collection is a groundbreaking fusion of contemporary African art and music. Nigerian artist Mr Eazi has commissioned sixteen one-of-a-kind pieces, each corresponding to a track from his upcoming album of the same title.
As he traveled across the continent recording the album, Mr Eazi formed connections with artists he met along the way. Recognizing the lack of unity between Africa’s thriving music industry and its fine arts creators, he found a way to enrich the album’s narrative and shine a new light on African art by incorporating their work into the project.
Featuring artists from eight African nations, each bringing their perspective, the collection boasts an array of aesthetics and techniques. It is a testament to continent’s creativity, showcasing everything from paintings to drawings.
This collection is a statement on the flourishing of contemporary African art and offers a glimpse into the tapestry of African culture.
Theresah Ankomah presents “Yɛ yɛ dɔm”: weaving and craft in relation to geopolitics, consumerism, gender, identity, and capitalism
Artist Theresah Ankomah will unveil her latest installation, titled Yɛ yɛ dɔm, at the 2023 edition of 1-54 London. The artwork will be housed within the Nelson Staircase at Somerset House. Ankomah’s work is known for pushing boundaries and exploring the intricacies of weaving and craft in relation to geopolitics, consumerism, gender, identity, and capitalism.
Through a range of mediums, including performative installations, sculpture, weaving, photography, basketry painting, and printmaking, Ankomah delves into the meanings embedded within everyday objects. Her artistic process involves assembling and disassembling woven things, collaging materials to create a disjointed yet cohesive body of work.
Ankomah’s artistic practice transcends the boundaries of conventional aesthetics and delves into the depths of societal and political aspects of craftsmanship. Her approach incorporates weaves from encounters and narratives, resulting in a tapestry of stories and experiences. Through her creative process, she challenges preconceived notions and explores the relationship between tradition, culture, and art.
LOOTY, عودة راشد Return Rashid! XR/AR 3D installation about globalized art access and technology at 1-54 fair London
With professor and archaeologist Monica Hana, LOOTY executed a ‘Digital Heist’ at the British Museum, utilizing LiDAR technology to record detailed scans of the Rosetta Stone (Hajar Rashid). Afterwards, these scans were transported physically and digitally to Rashid, where the Rosetta Stone was initially taken using Geo-located AR. One of the first digitally repatriated artworks was returned to its physical location.
The reconstruction of the stela, of which the Rosetta Stone was once a part, serves as a reimagination of the past and trajectory for the future. Through art and technology, it is possible to change the narrative of how we perceive art and who gets to experience it.
Beyond art restoration, it delves deep into the philosophical question of globalized art access. In an increasingly interconnected world, only some have the privilege to view their own cultural heritage. This disparity has long persisted, especially for those from countries where artworks were taken.
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair
With three editions per year – in London, New York, and Marrakech – as well as a pop-up fair in Paris, 1-54 is the leading global art fair committed to providing visibility to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. It was founded by Touria El Glaoui in 2013, and it features a range of contemporary artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photography, installations, and more, created by artists from Africa and the African diaspora.
