My Highlights from 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair 2014

Christa Clarke
Oct 9, 2014 2:05AM

Having attended the inaugural 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair last year, I look forward to returning to London next week for its second edition. The fair has expanded considerably, with strong representation from galleries and independent art centers based in Africa. For me, it’s a great opportunity to see recent work by artists known to me as well as be introduced to new or unfamiliar talent. My selections here are a mix of work by established and emerging artists; they range from the spare delicacy of Younès Rahmoun’s drawings to Athi-Patra Ruga’s fantastic utopian imagery. The inclusion of the late modernist Ernest Mancoba’s work provides an historical dimension to the fair and also a reminder of the longstanding participation of Africa’s artists in the global art world.

My Selection:

Abdoulaye Konaté, Composition n°3 (Bleue Rouge), 2012, at Primo Marella Gallery

Ernest Mancoba, Untitled, 1985, at Galerie Mikael Andersen

Fabrice Monteiro, Waxology serie #1, 2014, at M.I.A Gallery

Cameron Platter, Wall IV, 2013, at Jack Bell Gallery

Younés Rahmoun, Zahra Fidda 44/77, 2010, at Galerie Imane Farés

Julien Sinzogan, Dechainage, 2012, at October Gallery

Eric Van Hove, ﺣﺮﺍﻗـة - ḥarrāgas, 2009, at Voice Gallery

Edson ChagasFound not Taken, Luanda, 2013, at A Palazzo Gallery

Athi-Patra Ruga...Man Hostage. Uddermaker., 2014, at WHATIFTHEWORLD / GALLERY

Marcia KureJude Patron Saint of the Poor, 2013, at Purdy Hicks Gallery

Explore 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair 2014 on Artsy.

Christa Clarke