Exhibition: Contemporary African Art Fair
1:54
[Edson Chagas; Angola: Found not Taken, Luanda, 2009 – C-print on dibond, 120 x 80cm]
One of the largest art fairs in the world, Frieze, officially starts to tomorrow bringing to London a host of prominent global collectors. Alongside the fair, which is held at Regent’s Park, a selection of the world’s leading galleries set up shop in the city, holding special shows in a bid to capture some of the Collectors’ attention. Making its debut at Frieze week, today sees the start of 1:54, the inaugural Contemporary African Art Fair, which is being held in the West Wing of the prestigious cultural institution, Somerset House. Visitors can view, and purchase artworks from seventeen galleries, representing over seventy African artists, exhibiting emerging talent alongside established names, in addition to attending stimulating and thought-provoking film screenings, debates, keynote lectures, and panel discussions. The full programme of events can be downloaded from the 1:54 website.
[Moffat Takadiwa; Zimbabwe: Africa No Limits – mixed media, found objects, 80cm x 50cm]
Representing the countries of Africa, 1:54 is noted as being the first international fair dedicated to promoting contemporary African Art; and is the brainchild of Moroccan-born and raised, Touria El Glaoui, who is the daughter of one of Morocco’s most renowned artists, Hassan El Glaoui. Following a deep-rooted passion for African art, Touria founded 1:54 with the aim of bringing artists, curators, museums, art galleries, and centres that are involved in promoting African art and Africa related projects to an international audience.
[Malick Sidibé; Mali: Nuit de Noël, 1962 – Gelatin Silver Print, 120 x 120 cm]
1:54 brings together leading African creative practitioners including Cameroonian-born Koyo Kouoh, the founding artistic director of the Raw Materials Company in Dakar, Senegal, who is responsible for putting together the Forum of events; Bisi Silva, director of the Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos; and Joelle Le Bussy, director of Galerie Arte, Senegal. The exhibition space is designed by architect David Adjaye.
Professional guided tours offering an overview of the Fair are available upon booking. 1:54 runs until 6pm Sunday 20th October.
[Image credits: All images shown are sourced from 1:54, and if copied and used elsewhere must be credited accordingly]
Additional details:
Tickets priced at: £12 (advance booking via Ticket Web is strongly recommended)
For further information and to book tickets visit: http://1-54.com
For further information about the Frieze Art Fair visit: http://friezelondon.com
