1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair

Ahmed Cherkaoui (1934–1967) was a pioneering Moroccan modernist whose practice has informed generations of Moroccan contemporary artists through a distinctive visual language rooted in symbolism, Amazigh heritage, and cultural memory.

One of his 1964 paintings, Signes au ciel, has set a new benchmark at auction, selling for €868,265—more than double its estimate of €250,000–€400,000—and marking the highest recorded sale for Cherkaoui and for any Moroccan painter.

London Gallery Weekend returns with an exciting lineup across the city. From emerging voices to established figures, here are six exhibitions showcasing the work of African and diasporic artists that are worth adding to your itinerary.

This Saturday, Touria El Glaoui joins Hassan Aliyu, Jenni Skinner and Anna Dempster at ArtSpace5-7 for a discussion on the significance of contemporary African art in today's cultural landscape.

Bringing together perspectives from across the art world, the conversation will explore artistic exchange, international visibility, and the evolving role of artists, institutions and platforms in shaping the field.

📍 ArtSpace5-7, Cambridge
🗓 Saturday 6 June
🎟 Free admission

Register via the link in our bio.

What does it truly mean to collect? In conversation with Subash Chulani on patience, research, and why timing is often secondary to continuity in building a collection of African and diasporic art.

A look back at some stories from 1-54 New York 2026. Huge thanks to all for amplifying the fair, the artists, and the projects that made it a memorable edition!

✨ Thank you for joining us at 1-54 New York 2026 ✨

As we close another unforgettable edition of 1-54 New York at the Starrett-Lehigh Building, we want to thank all the artists, galleries, collectors, curators, partners, and visitors who made this week special.

Across VIP Previews and Public Days, Special Projects and Installations, and Chelsea Lates, the fair became a space for meaningful exchange around contemporary African and diasporic art. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and contributed to the energy that defined this edition.

See you next in person in London, 15–18 October 2026, at Somerset House! 🇬🇧

✨ 1-54 New York 2026: A Look Back at Public Day 2 ✨

The weekend unfolded at its own pace: familiar faces returning, first-time visitors joining in, and conversations moving across galleries and projects in delightful ways.

Today is the final day of 1-54 New York 2026. More to come as we look back on these shared moments — in the meantime, there are still a few hours left to visit the fair.

🎟 Book your tickets now and join us before we close.
📅 Hours: 11 am – 5 pm
📍 Starrett-Lehigh Building, 600 W. 27th St, Manhattan, New York