Following successful editions of the fair in New York, London, Marrakech, and Paris (hosted by Christie's in 2021 and 2022), 1-54 Presents is set to take place from 26 to 30 March 2024, coinciding with Art Basel Hong Kong. Given Hong Kong's significant role in the secondary market activity for African art, this venture offers the fair another opportunity to test the market.
Left: Omar Ba, Parle-moi (Talk to Me) #2, 2022. Acrylic, pencil, oil, Indian ink and bic pen on canvas. 200 x 150 cm. Courtesy of the Artist and Templon. Right: Edson Chagas, Diogo K. Puenha, Tipo Passe, 2014. C-print. 100 x 80 cm. Edition of 5 plus 2 AP. Courtesy of the Artist and APALAZZOGALLERY.
This inaugural exhibition in Asia, titled "Coalescent Lights", will reflect 1-54's ongoing commitment to exploring innovative collaborations, reimagining exhibition formats, and providing a platform for contemporary African art. Curated by Kami Gahiga, this exhibition is organised around five themes, the exhibition explores tradition, spirituality and ancient knowledge intertwined with personal and cultural memories; the dynamics of intimacy and the body; environmental and material boundaries; translocation and the ephemeral; as well as representation and visibility across various mediums.
Left: Youssef Nabil, Say Goodbye, Self-portrait Alexandrie, 2009. Hand colored gelatin silver print. 50 x 75 cm. Series of 5 variations each unique. Courtesy of the Artist and Galerie Nathalie Obadia. Right: Dalila Dalléas Bouzar, Autoportrait, 2022. Oil on linen canvas. 50 x 40 cm. Courtesy of the Artist and Galerie Cécile Fakhoury.
1-54 will put in the spotlight artists who have previously showcased their works at various art fairs around the world, including some making their debut in Asia. The exhibiting artists include Omar Ba, Ouattara Watts, Tesfaye Urgessa, Ibrahim Mahama, Virginia Chihota, Baya, Ibrahim El-Salahi, Barthélémy Toguo, Wura-Natasha Ogunji, Joël Andrianomearisoa, Tariku Shiferaw, Seydou Keïta, Edson Chagas, Zanele Muholi, Prince Gyasi, Tadesse Mesfin, Cornelius Annor, Cheikh Ndiaye, Aboudia, Dalila Dalléas Bouzar, Joana Choumali, Sanaa Gateja, Abdoulaye Konaté, Moffat Takadiwa, Samuel Nnorom, Serge Attukwei Clottey, Youssef Nabil.
Joana Choumali, Celebrating everything, 2024. Embroidery on digital photography printed on canvas. 100 x 150 cm. Courtesy of the Artist and Loft Art Gallery.
The full artwork list can be discovered here.
Cover image: Wura-Natasha Ogunji, Let the river take us, 2022 (detail). Thread, ink, graphite on tracing paper 61 x 61 cm. Courtesy of the Artist and Fridman Gallery.
