This piece will be exploring 10 African galleries at 1-54 London to look out for, and where you can find them at the art fair. 1-54, the renowned international art fair dedicated to contemporary African art, returns this year to Somerset House, London’s iconic neoclassical landmark and creative hub, beautifully set against the backdrop of the River Thames.
From the 10th – 13th of October, 2024, the fair will transform the West, East, South, and Embankment galleries into a vibrant showcase reflecting African creativity through exhibitions and special curated events, as well as a Press Review, VIP Events and Public Programmes. Featuring over 130 established and emerging artists from more than 60 galleries, 1-54 London presents a diverse and captivating showcase of contemporary African art.
1. Addis Fine Art:
Founded by Rakeb Sile and Mesai Haileleul in 2016, Addis Fine Art has become a pivotal force in contemporary African art, connecting London and Addis Ababa to promote Ethiopian, Horn of African, and diasporic artists worldwide.
The gallery showcases and nurtures emerging and mid-career artists through its international program, and its home-grown location in Addis Ababa, while building the careers of emerging artists, and fostering sustainable art ecosystems in partnership with local galleries and foundations. Addis Fine Art will be exhibiting at Booth E5 in the 1-54 Contemporary Art Fair, showcasing an exceptional selection of works by Addis Gezehagn, Engdaye Lemma and Nahom Teklehaimanot.
2. Affinity Gallery:
Affinity Art Gallery, located in Lagos, has quickly become a standout contemporary space since its establishment in 2020. Known for its dynamic programme, the gallery focuses on emerging African and diaspora artists, offering collectors, museums, and institutions exclusive access to unique talent. The gallery is particularly dedicated to empowering female artists, allowing them to push creative boundaries across various mediums.
Through curated exhibitions, art fairs, and educational initiatives, Affinity Art Gallery fosters a deep connection to Africa’s cultural heritage while elevating its artists to the global stage. They will be exhibiting at Booth S9 at the 1-54 Art Fair.
3. Amasaka Gallery:
Amasaka Gallery is one of the exhibiting African galleries at 1-54 London. It was founded in 2020 by artist Collin Sekajugo, is situated in the cultural hub of Masaka City, Uganda. The gallery is dedicated to showcasing emerging talent while offering a space for creative experimentation and growth.
Born from Sekajugo’s “The Weaver Bird Residency” programme, Amasaka continuously evolves, embracing diverse artistic practices such as photography, mixed media, and installations. Known for pushing the boundaries of traditional art spaces, the gallery frequently collaborates globally through pop-up exhibitions and exchanges. You can explore their innovative work at Booth EMB7.
4. Art Harare:
Fostering the next generation of Zimbabwean visual artists, artHARARE is a vital platform dedicated to showcasing contemporary art – both home-grown and from the diaspora. Founded in 2020 by Richard Mudariki, it boasts of an ambitious programme that includes international fairs and collaborations with global institutions.
Curating groundbreaking exhibitions that highlight diverse talent, it presents Zimbabwean art on the world stage, celebrating its rich artistic contributions. To explore their compelling collection, you can visit them at Booth W15.
5. Circle Art Gallery:
Circle Art Gallery, established in Nairobi in 2012 under the directorship of Danda Jaroljmek, has become a cornerstone of East Africa’s art scene. Over the past decade, the gallery has fostered a robust and sustainable art market by promoting some of the region’s most exciting artists. Their impactful exhibitions, participation in art fairs, and establishment of a Modern and Contemporary East African art auction have greatly enhanced the visibility and opportunities available to East African artists.
In 2023, marking their tenth anniversary, Circle Art expanded to a new, larger venue in Victoria Square, Nairobi, reflecting their commitment to growth. The gallery, initially known for its groundbreaking pop-up exhibitions and pioneering the first white cube gallery in Nairobi, has also established a significant presence in London through Cromwell Place. This expansion includes regular exhibitions and participation in art fairs across global cities such as Paris, New York, Lagos, and Cape Town.
Circle Art is a limited company supported by art collectors and enthusiasts, ensuring a strong foundation for its continued success. Additionally, the gallery has invested in training programs, equipping staff and interns with skills in arts management, curatorship, and exhibition handling. Many of these individuals have progressed to lead new art initiatives across East Africa. You can catch them at Booth W6 at the 1-54 Fair.
6. Gallery 1957:
Founded by Marwan Zakhem in 2016, Gallery 1957 emerged from over 15 years of private collecting, establishing itself as a premier platform for West African art. With a curatorial focus on showcasing the region’s most significant artists, the gallery presents a dynamic program of exhibitions, installations, and performances that spotlight West Africa on the global art stage. Based in Accra with three spaces—two in the Galleria Mall and one in the Kempinski Hotel—the gallery also expanded its reach in 2020 with a London outpost in South Kensington.
Dedicated to fostering international exchanges, Gallery 1957 connects West African art practices with global audiences, encouraging dialogues around identity, cultural exchange, and social history beyond Western frameworks. The gallery’s robust program includes artist residencies, an annual Cultural Week in Ghana, and its groundbreaking Yaa Asantewaa Art Prize, dedicated to supporting female Ghanaian artists.
At 1-54 London, Gallery 1957 will be showcasing an impressive lineup of artists who challenge and expand the boundaries of contemporary African art: Arthur Timothy, Modupeola Fadugba, Kelvin Haizel, Rita Mawuena Benissan, and Yaw Owusu. To explore their thought-provoking works, visit Gallery 1957 at Booth W18.
7. Kalashnikovv Gallery:
Kalashnikovv Gallery, established in 2013, challenges the conventional white cube gallery model by offering a fresh approach to showcasing visual arts. Founded by cultural visionaries M.J. Turpin and Matthew Dean Dowdle, the gallery is committed to promoting both emerging and established South African artists through a unique operational model.
Rejecting traditional elitism, Kalashnikovv emphasizes transparency and innovation, fostering artists’ creative journeys and enhancing public engagement. With locations in Johannesburg and Cape Town, the gallery functions as both a commercial space and a project venue for experimentation, with a focus on socio-political relevance and accessibility.
Representing a diverse range of artists, Kalashnikovv builds networks and provides growth opportunities through exhibitions, residencies, and exchanges. Its expanding global partnerships continually reshape contemporary art’s role in society. Visitors can find Kalashnikovv Gallery at Booth E14, where they will showcase their dynamic roster of artists and innovative projects.
8. L’Atelier 21:
Founded in 2008, L’Atelier 21 is a distinguished art gallery based in Morocco, dedicated to the advancement and promotion of fine arts. The gallery focuses on showcasing both modern and contemporary Moroccan artists, including those from the diaspora whose works are enriched by their dual heritages. This dedication extends to supporting artists from across Africa, providing a platform for their voices on the global stage.
Among the African galleries at 1-54 London, L’Atelier 21 is recognized for its pioneering role in introducing Moroccan artists to international art fairs in the early 2010s, underscoring its commitment to global engagement. At 1-54 London, it will feature an impressive array of artworks by M’barek Bouhchichi, Margaux Derhy, Hako Hankson, and Derrick Ofosu Boateng. This selection highlights the diverse and dynamic nature of contemporary figuration, offering fresh perspectives on reality through deeply rooted African cultural narratives. You can find L’Atelier 21 at Stand W17 to experience the vibrant creative expressions that continue to shape the discourse in modern African art.
9. Loft Art Gallery:
Since its inception in 2009 by Myriem and Yasmine Berrada Sounni, Loft Art Gallery has established itself as a cornerstone of contemporary African art. Located in Casablanca’s dynamic Triangle d’Or, the gallery initially specialized in Moroccan art but has since broadened its focus to include artists from across Africa and Europe.
Loft Art Gallery is known for its in-depth research and historical publications, and it curates both solo and group exhibitions that significantly influence the art scene. The gallery’s commitment to intercultural dialogue and international exposure has cemented its status as a major player in the contemporary art world.
At 1-54 London, Loft Art Gallery will be showcasing a selection of some of its prominent and emerging artists at Booth E6. This year, visitors can look forward to works by Joana Choumali, Amina Agueznay, Mous Lamrabat, and Alia Ali, each offering a unique perspective that underscores the gallery’s dedication to diverse artistic expressions.
10. SOTO Gallery:
SOTO Gallery, established by Tola Akerele in Lagos, Nigeria, is an innovative, community-focused art space that explores contemporary African art. Having opened its doors in September 2022 in Ikoyi, Lagos, the gallery aims to foster immersive exchanges and art education, offering a refreshed perspective on African art through exhibitions, talks, and workshops.
Noteworthy for its commitment to engaging artists at various career stages, SOTO Gallery has curated major events like +234Art and hosts an annual residency program. The gallery continues its legacy from its earlier iteration as iDesign Art, expanding its reach and impact through strategic partnerships and diverse initiatives. At the upcoming 1-54 London fair, SOTO Gallery will be showcasing the works of Johnson Uwadinma and Uche Uzorka at Booth EMB3.
1-54 London 2024 will initiate its programme with an exclusive VIP and Press Preview on the 10th of October. This event will be followed by the Public and VIP Opening, scheduled from the 11th to the 13th of October. Ticket booking is thus recommended for those wishing to attend.
