1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair Welcomes Over 20 Exhibitors, Spotlighting Brazil

The 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair has unveiled a roster of more than 20 galleries set to participate in its upcoming event, which will take place from May 13 to 17 at the Starrett-Lehigh Building in Chelsea, New York.

This year's fair coincides with Frieze New York at The Shed, alongside another notable event, NADA New York, also hosted at the Starrett-Lehigh. The 1-54 fair marks its return to this iconic venue after its previous edition in 2024.

Among the exhibitors, attendees will find a blend of familiar names, such as 193 Gallery, Galerie Myrtis, and Kates-Ferri Projects, as well as newcomers including Adegbola Gallery from Lagos, Aura from São Paulo, The Current: Baha Mar Gallery & Art Center from Nassau, and Picture Theory Projects from New York.

Touria El Glaoui, the founding director of 1-54, emphasized the fair's international scope, stating, "This year's exhibitors underscore 1-54's international reach, welcoming many first-time participants from across Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Americas. Each edition strengthens our commitment to championing diverse perspectives and connecting audiences to the dynamic and ever-expanding narratives of the African diaspora."

Notably, this edition will introduce a curated section titled "1-54 Presents: Brazil Beyond Brazil," organized by independent curator Igor Simões. This segment will showcase the artistry of Afro-Brazilian creators, reflecting Brazil's status as the largest nation of African descent outside the continent. The section aims to engage with archival research and reinterpret modernist legacies while questioning national and art historical narratives.

El Glaoui elaborated on the section's significance, stating, "With 'Brazil Beyond Brazil,' we extend 1-54's mission to create dialogue and exchange across geographies by foregrounding Afro-Brazilian perspectives. Igor Simões's presentation challenges reductive readings of Brazilian art and instead embraces the depth, complexity, and rigor of artists who are reshaping how we understand African identity and diaspora on a global stage."

The complete list of exhibitors is available below: