The 12th edition of 1-54 London

The 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair is thrilled to announce its return to Somerset House for the 12th edition of 1-54 London, which will take place from 10–13 October 2024. As the leading international art fair dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and the African diaspora, 1-54 continues to grow in scale and influence. This year’s edition is set to be the largest yet, with over 60 international exhibitors from more than 20 countries, presenting works by artists originating from over 50 nations. Once again, the fair will coincide with Frieze London, positioning the city as a global hub for contemporary art this Autumn.

The 2024 edition marks a significant milestone, featuring the highest number of new gallery participants since the fair’s founding. These new exhibitors, alongside returning galleries, will offer a rich and diverse selection of contemporary works that span mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, and installation. With a particular spotlight on artists and galleries from Ghana, Morocco, and Brazil, this edition of 1-54 will celebrate both established and emerging voices from across the African continent and its diaspora. Visitors can expect to encounter bold, thought-provoking works that reflect the dynamism and complexity of contemporary African art today.

Of the over 60 international exhibitors, over a third are from the African continent, with 23 newcomer galleries making their their 1-54 London edition debuts. More than a third of them stem from the Global South. Both new and returning exhibitors will showcase the works of over 160 artists, spanning an array of mediums from painting, photography and sculpture to mixed media, performance and installation. The fair will feature renowned artists such as Esther Mahlangu, Tuli Mekondjo and Mous Lamrabat, alongside young and emerging talents including Freya Bramble-Carter, Layo Bright and Kofi Perry. This year, Brazil will see a strong representative presence, with galleries such as Galeria Karla Osario, VERVE and Portas Vilaseca Galeria participating and showcasing the works of Alexis Peskine, Ana Beatriz Almeida, Matheus Marques Abu, Henrique Oliveira, Nadia Taquary, Diambe da Silva, Caio Marcolini and Zéh Palito.  

In addition, London-based Nigerian artist Slawn, born Olaolu Akeredolu-Ale has been selected to transform Somerset House’s Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court with his large-scale Transition project, in collaboration with Saatchi Yates.