The 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair London 2025 has opened to record participation, cementing its position as one of the most influential global showcases of African and diaspora creativity. With more than 60 galleries from across the world, including new exhibitors from Lagos, Dakar, Nairobi, and Accra, this year’s fair celebrates artistic innovation and cultural dialogue under the theme “Reclaiming Space, Reimagining Futures.”
Founded by Touria El Glaoui in 2013, the fair has grown into a leading platform that connects African and diaspora artists with international collectors, curators, and audiences. Hosted once again at Somerset House in London, the 2025 edition highlights the evolving global appetite for African art and the industry’s expanding influence beyond traditional Western markets.
“African artists are not emerging — they are defining the contemporary art world,” said El Glaoui during the fair’s opening ceremony. “This year’s edition demonstrates how artists from the continent and its diaspora are shaping global narratives on identity, heritage, and the future.”
Highlights and Participation
Record attendance: Over 20,000 visitors expected across four days.
Expanding global reach: Galleries from 27 countries, including debut participants from Ethiopia, Angola, and Martinique.
Spotlight on new voices: Young talents like Zanele Mthembu (South Africa), Kofi Awuyah (Ghana), and Awa Traoré (Mali) gained significant collector attention.
Diaspora representation: Artists from the Caribbean, the Americas, and Europe explored themes of migration, identity, and resilience.
Several installations addressed climate, memory, and postcolonial histories — recurring motifs that continue to drive African art’s global resonance.
Market Momentum
Industry analysts have described the 2025 edition as a reflection of the “African art boom 2.0.” Global collectors, museums, and art funds are increasingly investing in African contemporary works, following record auction sales in London and Paris in recent years.
“We are witnessing a paradigm shift — African art is no longer a niche,” said David Adjaye, the Ghanaian-British architect and cultural advocate attending the fair. “The stories, materials, and visions from the continent are now integral to global culture.”
Notably, the fair’s Special Projects section featured collaborations between African designers and tech innovators exploring AI and digital art, emphasizing how technology is redefining the future of cultural expression on the continent.
Institutional Partnerships
The fair continues to strengthen relationships with key institutions such as Tate Modern, Zeitz MOCAA, and the Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL). A series of panels and workshops under the 1-54 Forum explored critical issues around restitution, sustainability, and cultural sovereignty.
“This is not just an art fair — it’s a cultural movement,” noted Dr. Zoé Whitley, director of the Chisenhale Gallery. “The dialogue happening here will shape how African art is curated and valued in the years ahead.”
Conclusion
The 1-54 London 2025 fair marks another milestone in the global recognition of African creativity — not just as an export, but as a central force shaping world culture. As artists continue to challenge representation and ownership, fairs like 1-54 provide vital platforms where African and diaspora voices are not just seen, but celebrated on their own terms.