The 1-54 brand is known for its contemporary African art fairs in London, New York and Marrakech. However, a different kind of event is being organized in Hong Kong this week. After launching a program to sell exhibitions in New York and London last year under the title 1-54 Gifts, the fair has brought the new format to Asia. As before, the show is organized by Christie’s auction house, 1-54’s global partner.
Coalescent lights It has been curated by Kami Gahiga, who joined the fair last spring as head of VIP and gallery relations. It features 27 artists, including industry heavyweights such as Ibrahim Mahama and Zanele Muholi, and rising stars such as Virginia Chihota. Gahiga says that all the artists have previously exhibited work at 1-54, adding that he is keen to continue collaborating with the fair’s participating galleries outside of the fair’s flagship events. Galleries do not pay the stand fee associated with a fair 1-54 Giftseven if there are exhibition costs.
Moffat Takadiwa, between the lines (2023) Courtesy of the artist and Nicodim
Awareness of contemporary African art may not be as high in Asia as it is in other parts of the world, Gahiga says, so it’s important for exhibitions to “resist generalisation”. Various cultures and art media are represented in five themes: spirituality and ancient knowledge, intimacy and the body, environment, migration and representation and visibility. The aim is to do more than “speak to the market”, says Gahiga, beyond the familiar categories of figurative painting or classical African art. The exhibition will be accompanied by a lecture program in collaboration with Christie’s Education.
Although the show is only a “slice” of what the continent has to offer, it is hoped that it will advance the knowledge of Asian collectors by offering a crash course in Africa’s rich contemporary art scene.
Meanwhile, behind-the-scenes work is underway on a fully-fledged 1-54 fair that will open in Hong Kong in 2025. Although the launch is not yet confirmed, Gahiga says it’s “one step at a time” and talks are ongoing. with galleries
• 1-54 Gifts: Coalescent lights, Christie’s Hong Kong, 22/F Alexandra House, 18 Chater Rd Central, Hong Kong, until 30 March
