On its tenth anniversary edition in London, 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair is awash with first-time exhibitors keen to tap into the growing demand for African art from Western collectors. Of the 50 participating galleries showing at Somerset House, 14 are newcomers to the fair—just 15 exhibitors in total took part in the inaugural edition in 2013.
“This is our first art fair,” says Lovisa Berntson of Berntson Bhattacharjee Gallery, which is opening a new permanent space in Notting Hill, west London, next February. “1-54 is a great way to meet new clients."
“Our mission is to show the scale of what Sola Olulode can do,” she adds, referring to the solo show of works on the stand by the London-based, British Nigerian artist. A series of canvases by Olulode depicting Black queer experiences almost sold out on the VIP preview day. All works on the stand are priced between £800 and £8,000.
