Marrakech – In the heart of Marrakech, the “1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair” commenced yesterday, marking a significant debut in the vibrant city. The event, which will be running until February 12, promises a dedicated program featuring specially curated content, events, and partnerships.
First organized in 2013 by Touria El Glaoui, 1-54 stands as the premier international fair dedicated to contemporary African art. The fair’s name references the fifty-four countries constituting the “one”African continent.
With three annual editions in London, New York, and now Marrakech, alongside a pop-up fair in Paris, 1-54 serves as a global platform committed to providing visibility to contemporary African art and its diaspora.
Abla Ababou, Rabat-based gallerist
The fair’s Marrakech debut unfolds not only at the prestigious La Mamounia hotel but also at the multidisciplinary art space, DaDa, nestled within the bustling medina.
1-54 showcases diverse artistic perspectives, including evolving interpretations of the Africa diasporic experience. The exhibition features leading international galleries specializing in contemporary African art, which are enhanced with artist talks, and roundtable discussions.
Expansion and engagement: a testament to success
The 2024 edition of the Marrakech fair boasts over 27 exhibitors, including 14 galleries from across the African continent, with eight of them rooted in Morocco.
At the exhibition of the ‘Forest Inside Me’ at the Bab Hotel Marrakech
This development, as organizers highlight, signifies a substantial milestone as the fair broadens its physical footprint to DaDa, emphasizing a deeper engagement with Marrakech’s vibrant artistic landscape.
According to the event’s website, “This expansion is a recognition of the phenomenal success of the fair.”
Selected galleries at DaDa and La Mamounia will showcase revolutionary contemporary works by both emerging and established artists.
At the exhibition of the ‘Forest Inside Me’ at the Bab Hotel Marrakech
Perspectives on African art
Speaking to Morocco World News (MWN) at the fair, Rabat-based gallerist Abla Ababou declared that “the event is an exceptional opportunity in Africa and in Morocco, where several galleries are coming together with the official headquarters of 1-54 located at La Mamounia”.
Meanwhile, Mohamed El Baz, a Franco-Moroccan artist, remarked to MWN that the fair is an event that “brings together artists, galleries, and collectors from around the world to celebrate the richness and diversity of contemporary African art.” He went on to say that it is an opportunity for “ artists to showcase their work and for collectors to discover new talent.”
At the exhibition of the ‘Forest Inside Me’ at the Bab Hotel Marrakech
The 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair not only represents a convergence of artistic expression but also serves as a testament to the growing recognition and appreciation of contemporary African art globally.
As galleries, artists, and enthusiasts gather in this cultural hub, the fair continues to foster dialogue, inspire innovation, and amplify the voices of Africa and its diaspora on the global stage.
In Marrakech, amidst its labyrinthine streets and historic monuments, art transcends boundaries, inviting all to partake in its boundless beauty and significance.
