The 10 best booths of the 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair in NY

We take you on a tour of what couldn’t be missed!

Courtesy of the 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair, NY, 2017

#10 ROOM Gallery & Projects

On the left: “What’s freedom” by Benon Lutaaya (2016) — On the right: “Memory distorted over a period of time…” by Mbali Mdluli (2016)

ROOM is an indipendent multi-disciplinary gallery based in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is a place where connection between young, mid-career and establish artists could be possible through the exhibition space. It also provides a residency opportunities for national and international artists.

#9 (S)ITOR / Sitor Senghor

On the left: “Disunited States of Africa” by Nú Barreto (2010) — On the right: “Adama Paris” by Antoine Tempe

The (S)ITOR Senghor is a contemporary art gallery located in Paris, France. The gallery is able to create bridges between beauty and different cultures. This is the main reason why it is strongly engaged with the support of “hidden” African Art masterpieces.

#8 Officine dell’Immagine

On the left: “Les Patriotes” by Dimitri Fagbohoun (2012) — On the right: “MAMA (Black Madonna)” by Marcia Kure (2017), from the Of Saints and Vagabonds series

Officine dell’Immagine is an Italian gallery, based in Milan. The gallery promotes European, American, Asian artists. The main focus of this Italian gallery is the promotion of emerging international artists who have experienced cross-cultural knowledge and the end-result is absolutely stunning.

#7 Ed Cross Fine Art

Ed Cross Fine Art Gallery perfectly fits the 1:54 NY Contemporary African Art Fair “requirements”: it has always been engaged in the African art and the Diaspora-related themes. The gallery is particularly specialized in visual arts. It supports African artists and international ones with a strong connection to the continent.

#6 David Krut Projects

On the left: “All in one” by Aïda Muluneh (2016) — On the right: “Separating One’s Sheep from One’s Goats VI” by Diane Victor (2012)

The David Krut Projects is an independent art resource. It is based in both Johannesburg and New York. DKP works with artists who strongly support the interaction between visual and other creative artistic means.

#5 Gallery 1957

On the left: “Yellow is the Colour of Water” by Jeremiah Quarshie, Franklina (2016) — On the right: “Patched Heritage” by Serge Attukwei Clotted (2016)

The Gallery 1957 sees as its primary focus the support of contemporary masterpiece coming from Accra in Ghana. However, local and international influences are both represented which perpetuates an idea of inclusive celebration of a fantastic creative flow stimulated by Accra’s rich heritage.

#4 Tyburn Gallery

On the left: “Diamond Stars for the new King” by Victor Ehikhamenor (2014–15) — On the right: “Lefa 6” by Mohau Modisakeng (2016)

Tyburn Gallery is a London-based contemporary art gallery that promotes young talented artists. It is a must for lovers of Contemporary African Art!

#3 Magnin–A

On the left: “Je ne suis pas éclairé, je ne suis pas clair” by Chéri Samba (2013) — On the right: “Stranger on Red Carpet” by Steve Bandoma (2016)

Magnin-A is a gallery based in Paris, France. During the 70’s, the gallery developed a clear orientation towards non-occidental culture. From that moment on, contemporary African Art promotion and protection became its primary goal.

#2 AFRONOVA GALLERY

On the left: “Morning Glory (detail)” by Billie Zangewa (2017) — On the right: “Tshepiso” by Jodi Bieber (2014)

The AFRONOVA Gallery is well-known for its strong support to young contemporary artists. African contemporary themes and expressions represent their main focus. Here, you can find artistic personalities coming from around Africa, Indian Ocean and the Caribbean’s area. The gallery is located in Johannesburg, South Africa.

#1 Rosenfeld Porcini

“Untitled I” by Ndidi Emefiele (2016)

The Rosenfeld Porcini gallery is based in London, UK. The gallery presents the first NY exhibition of the Nigerian artist Ndidi Emefielei. Using exaggerating proportion to depict the female body, Emefielei touches different themes related to our contemporary society. The main ones are the investigation of the female body as self-preservation and the construction of people’s identity through clothing and postural language.

Feeling nostalgic? Have a look at the official video of the 2016’s edition below!