FORM-Idea

1-54 returned this fall to London’s Somerset House for its twelfth consecutive year, once again presenting dazzling work by some of the continent’s most exciting visual artists. As perhaps the world’s leading international contemporary African art fair—dedicated to showcasing work from both Africa and the African diaspora—1-54 continues to grow in scale and impact. This year, the 2024 edition hosted over sixty international exhibitors representing twenty-three countries. It was, quite simply, one of the most brilliant shows in London.

Of the more than sixty international exhibitors featured this year, over a third hailed from the African continent, with twenty-three making their UK debut. Among the standout newcomers were ADA $contemporary$ art gallery (Accra, Ghana), Christophe Person (Paris, France), Post Gallery (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia), SOTO Gallery (Lagos, Nigeria), and Pearl Lam Galleries (Hong Kong, China). With such a wealth of art on display, it’s logistically impossible to cover everything, but below are images from some of my personal favourites:Adede Odedina, Rugiyatou Jallow, Damilola Onosowobo, Ziyad El Mansouri and Omar Ka.

Years ago, the late British art critic Brian Sewell famously dismissed the work of contemporary African artists—as well as that of women. In his view, contemporary art belonged exclusively to white Western men, leaving little room for anyone else. Yet, seeing the packed gallery rooms at 1-54, where thousands attended over the course of four days, it’s clear that African artists have, in many ways, had the last laugh. Today, contemporary African art is not only thriving but is also among the most celebrated in the world.

X: @BeverlyAAndrews

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