As the only international art fair dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora, 1-54 takes its name from the number of countries on the continent.
Hidden Code, a 2023 acrylic and Indian ink on canvas painting by the Cameroonian artist Hako Hankson. Photograph: Courtesy of Primo Marella Gallery and the artist
By Bernelee Vollmer
The Giant Donkey by Anaëlle Myriam Chaaib
The French Moroccan artist, who also goes under the name Myriam au Citron, portrays scenes of life in which images of France mingle with those of Morocco.
Photograph: Courtesy of African Arty
Charité 4 by Ange Dakouo
Based in Mali’s capital, Bamako, Dakouo uses painting, video, sculpture and installation to produce work that reflects his Malian cultural heritage. Charité 4 uses cardboard, newspaper, cotton thread and acrylic.
Photograph: Courtesy of So Art Gallery
Untitled by Éder Oliveira
Born in 1983 in Timboteua, in Brazil’s Amazonian state of Pará, Oliveira’s work is influenced by people of Amazonian and Indigenous descent.
Photograph: Courtesy of Reiners Contemporary Art
Hidden Code by Hako Hankson
Hankson is a self-taught artist who brings the culture of west Cameroon to his work, such as in this 2023 acrylic and Indian ink on canvas picture.
Photograph: Courtesy of Primo Marella Gallery and Hako Hankson
Streets of Marrakech, Morocco, by Girma Berta
A self-taught Ethiopian photographer and artist, Berta uses his iPhone to synthesise street photography with fine art, often producing vibrant portraits of the inhabitants of African cities.
Photograph: Courtesy of the artist and Nil Gallery
Et La Sève Fut … 002 by Ghizlane Sahli
The Moroccan artist, who lives and works in Marrakech, used embroidery, wire covered with silk thread and paint to create this work. After studying architecture in Paris, Sahli returned to Morocco and in 2012 co-founded the Zbel Manifesto collective, which is dedicated to working with waste and repurposed materials.
Photograph: Courtesy of Christophe Person
Untitled by Hicham Benohoud
Born in Morocco but now living in France, Benohoud uses photography to show the intertwining of identity politics and power relations. His photographs combine elements of reality in unexpected ways, and uncommon situations.
Photograph: Courtesy of Katharina Maria Raab Contemporary
Linking Path by Samuel Nnorom
The Nigerian artist uses an African print wax fabric called Ankara as the predominant material in his work. By sewing, tying and cutting, he creates intricate patterns of fabric-covered foam balls that are stitched together.
Photograph: Courtesy of Samuel Nnorom
Untitled by Mahi Binebine
The Moroccan painter and novelist moved to Paris in 1980 to continue his studies in mathematics, which he taught for eight years. He then devoted himself to writing and painting. His work, centred on the human figure, explores the issue of humanity and extreme conditions.
Photograph: Courtesy of Katharina Maria Raab Contemporary
Don’t You See That a Procession is Coming III (Wunhu Sɛ Santen Bi Reba III) by Rita Mawuena Benissan
This velvet tapestry by the Ghanian-American artist is part of her work that explores questions of culture, identity and history through the reimagining of customary objects and in particular royal umbrellas, as a symbol of Ghanian identity.
Photograph: Courtesy of Gallery 1957
Untitled by Ibrahim Ballo
This artwork featuring acrylic, cotton embroidery and weaving on paper and is inspired by the Sénoufo women of the Malian artist’s community who weave cotton for clothing.
Photograph: Courtesy of Galerie Carole Kvasnevski
Burning Passion by Sheila Fuseini
The Ghanaian contemporary painter, who is based in Accra, uses acrylics and leather to create images that reflect personal growth and identity.
Photograph: Courtesy of The African Art Hub (TAAH)
God’s Child by Sarfo Emmanuel Annor
The Ghanaian artist started as a painter before becoming an apprentice for a fashion designer and taking photographs. He began shooting portraits of people around him using a smartphone because cameras and other equipment were too expensive.
Photograph: Courtesy of The Bridge Gallery
Confidences by Mohamed Lekleti
The Moroccan artist, who is based in France, uses drawing and mixed media to analyse the movement of people and things.
Photograph: Courtesy of La Galerie 38
Read the original article on The Guardian.
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