1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair Debuts in Asia with Coalescent Lights at Christie’s Hong Kong
The 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, renowned for showcasing contemporary art from African and African diaspora artists, is set to unveil Coalescent Lights at Christie’s Hong Kong from March 26 to March 30, 2024. This event signifies the fair's inaugural appearance in Asia, following the launch of its 1-54 Presents program in London last October. Curated by Kami Gahiga, the exhibition highlights diverse artistic approaches within contemporary African art, featuring artists such as Omar Ba, Baya, and Zanele Muholi, many of whom are making their Asian debut. French-Cameroonian curator Simon Njami's insights inform the exhibition's transdisciplinary perspective. Touria El Glaoui, the fair's founder, expressed enthusiasm for this new opportunity for artists in an emerging market.
Key facts
- 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair presents Coalescent Lights at Christie’s Hong Kong from 26 to 30 March 2024.
- This is the fair’s first-ever presentation in Asia.
- The exhibition is part of the 1-54 Presents program, which debuted at 1-54 London in October 2023.
- Curated by Kami Gahiga, the exhibition explores contemporary African art's diverse approaches and aesthetic philosophies.
- Featured artists include Omar Ba, Baya, Virginia Chihota, Youssef Nabil, Sanaa Gateja, Abdoulaye Konaté, Dalila Dalléas Bouzar, Ibrahim Mahama, Zanele Muholi, Wura-Natasha Ogunji, Moffat Takadiwa, and Ouattara Watts.
- Many of these artists have not shown in Asia before.
- The exhibition draws on the ideas of French-Cameroonian curator Simon Njami, who advocates for a nuanced, transdisciplinary view of contemporary African art.
- Touria El Glaoui, Founder of 1-54, noted the milestone of expanding into Asia and the collaboration with Christie’s.
Entities
Artists
- Omar Ba
- Baya
- Virginia Chihota
- Youssef Nabil
- Sanaa Gateja
- Abdoulaye Konaté
- Dalila Dalléas Bouzar
- Ibrahim Mahama
- Zanele Muholi
- Wura-Natasha Ogunji
- Moffat Takadiwa
- Ouattara Watts
- Kami Gahiga
- Simon Njami
- Touria El Glaoui
Institutions
- 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair
- Christie’s Hong Kong
- Galerie Nathalie Obadia Paris/Brussels
Locations
- Hong Kong
- Asia
- London
- Paris
- Brussels