London to host first international contemporary African art fair

From 16th to 20th October 2013

By IC Publications Ltd

LONDON, United-Kingdom, October 8, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Next week is one of the most important in the contemporary art calendar with London's Frieze. A stone's throw away, in the iconic West Wing of Somerset House, 1:54, the first international fair dedicated to modern and contemporary African art, has announced an extensive programme to take place at Somerset House, from 16th to 20th October 2013.


1:54 Contemporary Art Fair refers to the 54 countries that constitute the African continent, while reflecting the multitude of artistic canons within its compass. Spanning several generations of diverse artistic practices, 1:54 will showcase 15 attentively selected galleries from Abidjan and Nigeria, through to London, Berlin and Seattle to present over 70 emerging and established African artists.


Taking place during Frieze Week, the new fair builds upon the burgeoning popularity of contemporary African art and presents a rare opportunity to explore the rapidly emerging African art market in an environment supported by some of the most influential people and organisations in the art world. From painting to sculpture and photography the fair will present visual African art in its many dynamic forms giving collectors, art enthusiasts and culture-seekers the chance to be the first to experience and engage with African art on this level.


The fair is founded by Touria El Glaoui, daughter of celebrated Moroccan artist Hassan El Glaoui. To mark the inaugural year, internationally acclaimed Ghanaian-born British architect David Adjaye, winner of 2013 RIBA International Award, will design unique elements of Somerset House's West Wing. 



Touria El Glaoui, Founder of 1:54 says:


“1:54 will offer visitors the chance to experience and engage with contemporary art from Africa and the African Diaspora like never before. The fair aims to provide galleries, curators, artists, art centres and museums from Africa and those working with Africa-related projects with a unique platform to promote art by established and emerging talent to an international audience.”


Omar Ben Yedder, publisher of New African magazine, media partners of 1:54 added: “Touria has worked around the clock to put together the world's first and most extensive African contemporary art fair. Arts and the creative industries have a critical role in connecting Africans, and telling the African story to a global audience. We're delighted to be associated with the fair and urge you all to participate.”


Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of IC Publications Ltd.

For more information contact: [email protected]


Press preview: 10.00am on 15 October 2013 
RSVP to [email protected] by 12 October


Tickets are available for purchase from Ticketmaster at: http://tinyurl.com/om62thk


IMAGES: http://bit.ly/12iIs6A