The 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair has officially returned to London for its milestone 14th edition, transforming the historic Somerset House into a vibrant nexus for contemporary and modern creativity from across the African continent and its global diaspora. This year’s iteration of the prominent international art event brings a fresh dynamic to the capital’s autumn arts calendar, highlighted by a major new section dedicated entirely to African modernism. Curated by the esteemed art historian Nancy Dantas, the special presentation provides a timely and intellectually rigorous exploration of mid-century artistic developments that continue to resonate within the global contemporary art market.
Titled “West Wind” and drawing its evocative name from Miriam Makeba’s iconic 1966 anthem for unity, liberation, and cultural solidarity, the curated section arrives at a critical juncture for the art world. The initiative directly addresses the institutional and commercial gap left in the wake of Sotheby’s decision to close its dedicated African modernism department in 2025. By stepping into this void, 1-54 not only champions contemporary voices but also reinforces the historical foundations upon which today’s generation of artists builds. “West Wind” gathers celebrated mid-20th-century masters whose pioneering aesthetic vocabularies helped define an era of profound political, social, and cultural emancipation across Africa and its widespread diaspora.
Among the historical heavyweights featured in the presentation are renowned Sudanese artist Ibrahim El-Salahi, celebrated Mozambican painter Bertina Lopes, and acclaimed ceramicist and sculptor Seyni Awa Camara. Their inclusion underscores a vibrant and historically rich period of artistic experimentation that rejected colonial visual frameworks in favor of indigenous modernisms, pan-African dialogue, and transnational solidarity. Through this ambitious historical curation, the fair bridges generational divides, looking toward the future of the market while deeply honoring the foundational figures who shaped the continent’s modern artistic trajectory.
Somerset House once again serves as the picturesque backdrop for the fair, hosting collectors, curators, critics, and enthusiasts in its sprawling neoclassical courtyards and neoclassical galleries. Beyond the static exhibitions of painting, sculpture, textile, and mixed-media works, the fair’s opening days have featured striking live performances that activate the historic London venue. In the central plaza, vibrant installations—such as participants draped in brilliant, richly patterned fabrics—have created a living tapestry of color, movement, and performance art, engaging visitors the moment they step onto the grounds.
Now established as a cornerstone of the international art fair circuit, 1-54 continues to expand its footprint and influence under the guidance of its founder, Touria El Glaoui. Since its inception, the fair has provided a vital commercial and critical platform for galleries and artists originating from Africa and its diaspora, challenging historical underrepresentation in Western art institutions. The 14th London edition exemplifies this ongoing mission, offering a nuanced panorama that spans foundational modernism to cutting-edge contemporary practices. As the fair runs through Sunday at Somerset House, it cements London’s position as a premier global hub for the appreciation, debate, and acquisition of art from the African continent.
