Courtesy of Jim Winslet
Each October, London’s Somerset House becomes a meeting ground of heritage and modernity as the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair returns to the neoclassical landmark overlooking the Thames.
Founded in 2013 by Touria El Glaoui, the fair takes its name from Africa’s 54 nations and stands today as the leading global platform dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. Within Somerset House’s grand courtyards and galleries, tradition and innovation meet — European architecture framing voices that redefine the contours of contemporary art.
This year’s edition gathers galleries from across the continent and beyond, presenting works that span painting, sculpture, photography, installation, and new media. The fair’s curatorial approach balances established names with emerging talent, offering a nuanced perspective on African creativity in dialogue with the world.
An engaging public program of talks, panels, and screenings — developed in collaboration with leading curators and institutions — extends the conversation beyond the exhibition walls. Timed to coincide with Frieze Week, 1-54 has become a cultural anchor in London’s autumn art calendar and a vital force in shaping global appreciation of African art.
What began as a bold idea has evolved into a movement: one that celebrates diversity, dialogue, and the creative dynamism of a continent redefining contemporary expression.
