1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair is a major international event showcasing contemporary works by artists from Africa and the diaspora. This year, more than half of the 47 exhibiting galleries are from the continent.
“Spotlighting African galleries and artists at London’s 1-54 plays an important role in expanding the reach of contemporary African art to a global audience,” said Touria, founder and director of the fair. El Ghraoui said in a statement. “London is a major cultural center and provides the ideal platform to showcase the diverse and dynamic creativity coming from the continent and its diaspora.”
Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu (2024) is on display at Serpentine North Photo: George Darrell; Courtesy of Serpentine and Melrose Gallery
One of the highlights of this year’s fair will be a stand at the Melrose Gallery displaying the work of Esther Mahlangu, an 88-year-old artist from South Africa who has been painting for nearly 80 years. The solo stand will coincide with the unveiling of a large site-specific mural by Mahlangu on the outskirts of Serpentine North. It is called umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu, which translates to “because you are, I am also”.
“The Serpentine mural will reach millions of people and cement her place as one of the most important artists of our time,” says Craig Mark, Director of Melrose Gallery. .
Creating a legacy
Mahlangu’s work is already in great demand, but Mark says that at this stage of her career, galleries aren’t necessarily looking to sell as much as possible. “Rather, it is important that we try to contribute to her legacy by displaying her work in important collections and museums so that the public can experience her work in the future. “I do it because it’s a way to introduce her work to collectors and museums,” Mark says. Perhaps her best-known work is her collaboration with BMW on one of the art cars commissioned to commemorate the abolition of South Africa’s apartheid laws in 1991. It was on display at the British Museum from 2016 to 2017.
Marangu’s colorful canvases and vases incorporate elements of traditional Ndebele design as well as more contemporary mediums. Stand’s works range in price from $5,500 to $30,000, which Mark says is “low considering her position.” At least six units had been sold by the afternoon of yesterday’s preview.
“Very few black South African artists born in 1935 have been able to break into the international art market,” Mark says. “It’s a hugely important moment for the whole continent to see her recognized. She’s an inspiration to all artists from Africa about what they can achieve, but also to reach Africa. The whole industry is looking at Africa to see who else we can work with to help.”
• 1-54 runs at Somerset House until Sunday 13th October
