The 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair 2024

Our favourite art fair is about to kick off and we’re launching a brand new exhibition to celebrate it.

The  1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair is always a highlight of our cultural year as artists, curators, gallerists and experts converge to tap into one of the world’s most dynamic and exciting art scenes. 

The 2024 edition of 1-54 runs from February 8th – 11th and 27 galleries from all over the world will be showcasing work in Marrakech by some of the continent’s brightest talents.

Here at El Fenn, we’ll be presenting an installation of new works in partnership with Galerie Siniya28 from the photographic series, حب (hub) // LOVE created by the Yemeni-Bosnian-US artist Alia Ali. (seen above)

Ali, who is currently doing a year-long residency at Siniya28, produces large-scale photographic work that examines ideas around identity, culture and the politicization of the body and language. One of her pieces is part of the permanent El Fenn collection and the new works will be on show for a month. If you would like to view Ali’s work and you are not staying at El Fenn, you can access the exhibition from 12:30-3:30pm daily – and why not stay for lunch at the Colonnade Cafe.

Today 1-54 is the world’s leading platform for contemporary art from Africa and the African diaspora. Pieces will be on show at La Mamounia and DaDa, a multidisciplinary art space in the medina. Black Rock Global Arts Foundation is also co-hosting a symposium on the state of artist-centric institutions in Africa with 1-54.

Here are a few highlights of the forthcoming exhibition.

Hako Hankson, Hidden Codes, 2023, Acrylic and Indian Ink on canvas, 139 × 139 cm. Courtesy of Primo Marella Gallery & the artist.

Kika Carvalho, Nunca foi sorte, 2023, Oil on canvas, 150 x 100 cm. Courtesy of Portas Vilaseca Galeria.

Ghizlane Sahli, Et la sève fut 002, 2023, Embroidery, wire covered with silk thread, paint on linen, 100 x 70 cm. Courtesy of Christophe Person. 

April Bey, When My Flow is Phuckin Ridiculous, 2022, Woven tapestry with hand-sewn sherpa, glitter, 203.2 x 152.4 cm.

Courtesy of April Bey & 193 Gallery.

Adewale Kolawale John,Ako-Iwe, Egbe Ifelodun Eko Secretary, Ifelodun Social Club Lagos,2023,Oil and acrylic on canvas,121 x 121cm.

Courtesy of Retro Africa

Éder Oliveira, Untitled 09, 2022, Oil on canvas, 145 x 290 cm. Courtesy of Reiners Contemporary Art.

Ibrahim Ballo, Untitled, 2023, Acrylic, Cotton Embroidery and Weaving on Paper, Various Dimensions. Courtesy of Galerie Carole Kvasnevski.

Hamid Nii Nortey, Roses speaks a secrete language, a language of love, 2023, Acrylic on canvas, 154 x 113 cm.

Courtesy of L’Atelier 21, Casablanca, Morocco.

Hicham Benohoud, Untitled, from the series ACROBATIE, 2017, Digital c-prints mounted on Alu-Dibond, 80 x 60 cm.

Courtesy of Katharina Maria Raab Contemporary, Berlin.

Sheila Fuseini, Burning Passion, 2023, Leather on tulle, 78 x 112 cm. Courtesy of The African Art Hub (TAAH). 

Founding director Touria El Glaoui, said: “We are delighted to see so many local artists and galleries on the programme, showcasing these countries’ contribution to the rich tapestry of contemporary African art. This year’s Marrakech edition has a focus on supporting artists and we look forward to celebrating the power of African art and its global impact.”

While the art market was long dominated by Europe and America, Africa has emerged as one of the most dynamic contemporary art scenes. And Marrakech is one of its key hubs with the city now a vibrant melting pot for artists, gallerists and collectors. The arrival of 1-54 in 2018 cemented the city’s position as a key player on the international stage. 

We can’t wait to explore and get inspired.