1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, the world’s leading platform for contemporary art from Africa and the African diaspora, is delighted to announce details of the upcoming Marrakech edition held from 30 January – 02 February (Press preview 30 January). Continuing from the previous edition, 1-54 will take place both at La Mamounia hotel and multidisciplinary art space DaDa in the heart of the bustling Medina. This exciting return underscores the fair’s enduring impact and highlights its dedication to fostering engagement with Morocco’s vibrant art landscape.
The 2025 Marrakech edition will welcome more than 30 exhibitors from fifteen different countries, including fifteen galleries from the African continent (ten of which are based in Morocco) providing local and international audiences with an unparalleled showcase of artistic talent and cultural richness. Newcomers include C+N Gallery CANEPANERI (Milan, Italy), space Un (Tokyo, Japan), GALERIE FARAH FAKHRI (Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire), Galerie Medina (Bamako, Mali), Hunna Art (Kuwait City, Kuwait), Le Violon Bleu Gallery (Sidi Bou Said/Tunis, Tunisia) and Abla Ababou Galerie (Rabat, Morocco) who will participate for the first time in any of 1-54’s three global editions.
Since its launch in Morocco in 2018, 1-54 has successfully grown its presence in Marrakech, serving as a thriving hub for the continent’s art scene with almost half of the participating galleries hailing from the continent. For this edition, 1-54 Marrakech will once again offer a dynamic programme of events and Special Projects, in partnership with both local and international institutions, including Fondation TGCC, Think Tanger, L’appartement 22 and the Kalhath Foundation.
Founding Director of 1-54, Touria El Glaoui, comments: “We are delighted to return to Marrakech for the 2025 edition of 1-54, hosted once again in the iconic settings of La Mamounia and the dynamic multidisciplinary art space DaDa in the heart of the Medina. This year’s fair welcomes an exciting array of exhibitors, including notable newcomers from further afield such as space Un from Tokyo and Hunna Art from Kuwait. We are proud to continue longstanding partnerships with Audi Maroc, Fondation TGCC, and Christie’s, whose support ensures the fair remains a vital platform for celebrating the diversity and innovation of contemporary African art. With a robust program of Special Projects and collaborations with local and international institutions, 1-54 Marrakech offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with Morocco’s vibrant cultural landscape and connect with the wider global art community.”
List of participating galleries:
*Newcomers to the Marrakech edition
● Abla Ababou Galerie (Rabat, Morocco)*, with a selection of works by an all Moroccan lineup with artists including Hakim Benchekroun, Ilias Selfati, and Fatiha Zemmouri
● AFIKARIS (Paris, France), with a booth of works by Omar Mahfoudi, Ozioma Onuzulike, Mouhcine Rahaoui, and Hervé Yamguen
● African Arty (Casablanca, Morocco), presenting a solo booth of sculptures and paintings by Moroccan artist Abderrahmane Rahoule
● CDA Gallery (Casablanca, Morocco), presenting works by young emerging artists including Amine Asselman, Muhcine Ennou, Rahma Lhoussig and Yvanovitch Mbaya
● C+N Gallery CANEPANERI (Milan, Italy)*, with a booth entirely dedicated to the work of paintings by Nigerian artist Chigozie Obi
● Galerie Atiss Dakar (Dakar, Senegal), with a four-pronged presentation of works by Congolese artist Ngimbi Bakambana Luve, French-Senegalese artist Ousmane Bâ, Senegalese artist Camara Gueye and Nigerian artist Yadichinma Ukoha-Kalu (joint booth presentation with space Un)
● space Un (Tokyo, Japan)*, with a solo show by Senegalese artist Aliou Diack (joint booth presentation with Galerie Atiss Dakar)
● Galerie 208 (Paris, France), with a group presentation of Mahi Binebine, el Seed and Armand Boua
● GALERIE FARAH FAKHRI (Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire)*, showcasing a selection of painting and textile works by artists Collin Sekajugo, Charles-David Gnangoran and Taher Jaoui
● Galerie Medina (Bamako, Mali)* showcasing the works of artists Maheder Haileselassie Tadesse, Willow Evann and Victor Adewale
● Gallery 1957 (Accra, Ghana/London, UK), with a group presentation including work by Kelvin Haizel
● Gallery Nosco (Brussels, Belgium)*, presenting the work of artists Caio Marcolini and Isabelle D.
● Galerie SINIYA28 (Marrakech, Morocco), presenting works by Rita Alaoui, Rachid Bouhamidi, Abdelmalek Berhiss and Ali Maimoun
● Hunna Art (Kuwait City, Kuwait)*, with a presentation of works by female artists Amina Yahia, and Maissane Alibrahimi
● La Galerie 38 (Casablanca/Marrakech, Morocco), with a selection of works by significant artists from the gallery’s programme including Mohamed Hamidi, Kendell Geers, Younes Khourassani, Ghizlane Agzenaï, Meriam Benkirane, and Yacout Hamdouch
● L’Atelier 21 (Casablanca, Morocco), with a booth foregrounding the work of artists including M’barek Bouhchichi, Margaux Derhy, Safaa Erruas, Malick Welli, and Najia Mehadji
● Le Violon Bleu Gallery (Sidi Bou Said/Tunis, Tunisia)presenting Aly Ben Salem, Farid Belkahia, Hassan El Glaoui and Talal Chaibia
● Loeve&Co (Paris, France)*, showcasing a selection of works by Haitian artist Roland Dorcély and French artist Alex Burke
● Loft Art Gallery (Casablanca, Morocco), with an All-Moroccan lineup of artists including Amina Agueznay, Bouchra Boudoua, and Nassim Azarzar
● MCC GALLERY (Marrakech, Morocco), with a booth dedicated to photography by artists Houda Kabbaj, Malika Sqalli, and Mustapha Azeroual
● Myriem Himmich Gallery (Casablanca, Morocco), presenting works by artists Zineb Mezzour, Bouchra El Menjra and Valérie Ohana
● Nil Gallery (Paris, France), with a booth of works by Sara Benabdallah, Caleb Kwarteng Prah, Joel Bigaignon, and Abdallah El Hariri
● Primo Marella Gallery (Milan, Italy/Lugano,Switzerland), presenting installations, sculptural works and textile pieces by Joël Andrianomearisoa, Abdoulaye Konaté, Samuel Nnorom, Tegene Kunbi, and Hako Hankson
● Ross-Sutton Gallery (NYC, USA/Stockholm, Sweden)*, showcasing a selection of works by Joshua Michael Adokuru, Khari Turner and Dina Nur Satti
● So Art Gallery (Casablanca, Morocco), with a booth containing the works of Aidan Marak, Ange Dakouo, and Adjei Tawiah
● The African Art Hub (TAAH) (London, England)*, with a booth entirely dedicated to works by Nigerian artist Kingsley Ayogu
● The Bridge Gallery (Paris, France), with a dialogue between Ivorian artist Méné, and Nigerian multidisciplinary artist Fadekemi Ogunsanya
Special Projects include:
Kalhath Foundation presents a project by Amina Benbouchta who explores cultural connections and gender narratives through the medium of embroidery. In her residency at the Kalhath Institute, Benbouchta collaborated with twenty Indian master embroiderers, merging her artistic vision with traditional techniques.This body of work interrogates gender narratives and the societal spaces occupied by both human and non-human entities, establishing needlework as a form of language in its own right. Each stitch emerges as a narrative of strength, reflecting the intertwining of personal memories with broader histories of resistance and the silent echoes of those often left unheard. Through motifs such as crinolines and hybrid figures, Benbouchta recontextualizes symbols typically associated with constraint, transforming them into tools for healing and unity. Positioned within the fair, her work sparks dialogue about tradition, craft, and identity, inviting viewers to engage in a conversation about memory, love, and reconciliation. In this way, Benbouchta celebrates the art of embroidery as a vehicle for social commentary and personal reflection.
Fondation TGCC is thrilled to present the Prix Mustaqbal talents throughout the 4 editions in the group show. The exhibition gathers the works of Khadija El Abyad, Mouad El Bissaoui, Malek Sordo, Yassine Sellame, Mehdi Ait El Mallali, Rida Tabit and Kamil Bouzoubaa-Grivel, intentionally curated as a testimony on emerging Moroccan creation. Since 2021, Prix Mustaqbal has been promoting the artists throughout group shows, solo shows, talks and international art fairs. In 2025, the prize celebrates its 5th anniversary, marking an important milestone in its dedication towards revealing and supporting emerging artists.
Established in 2017 by Think Tanger, Tanger Print Club is a studio dedicated to the art and craft of screen printing. It offers a collaborative space for artists, artisans, and researchers to experiment and innovate in printing. For over eight years, Tanger Print Club has worked with both emerging and established artists, as well as galleries, museums, and independent art venues. Its mission is to foster a circular economy within the art sector and inspire a new generation of art collectors by promoting independent publishing practices and prints. For 1-54 Marrakech, Tanger Print Club presents a selection of its artists, including Laila Hida, Yto Barrada, Anuar Khalifi, and Omar Mahfoudi. Tanger Print Club is an initiative by Think Tanger, a non-profit cultural organization in Tangier, working at the intersection of art, the city, and society. Acquiring a print helps sustain the organization and supports the outreach programs.
L’appartement 22 is an independent art space run cooperatively by artists and curators in Rabat, Morocco. Created in 2002 by curator Abdellah Karroum, following a series of art expeditions and publications, L’appartement 22’s artistic program focused on emerging artists’ research, residencies and production. In 2007 the space expanded its collaborations by launching the R22 art radio online, while also presenting curatorial projects within major international art events. Since its inception, L’appartement 22 has consistently cultivated relations with peer initiatives within the African continent and internationally, solidifying its significance as a promoter of art expression reflecting on our time. L’appartement 22 accompanied many artists in the production of major projects, such as Mustapha Akrim, Yto Barrada, Matti Braun, Hassan Darsi, Seamus Farrell, Badr El Hammami, Mohssin Harraki, Soukaina Joual, Maria Karim, Syl. Pâris Kouton, Grace Ndiritu, Sara O’Haddou, among others.
Following the INFINIMENT COTY PARIS showcase last October in London, 1-54 is delighted to partner again with the very exclusive fragrance brand for its Marrakech edition. Behind the brand, two creators – Sue Nabi and Nicolas Vu – who share a passion for the world of beauty with INFINIMENT COTY PARIS they aspire to define new codes for the perfumery of tomorrow and introduce the next generation of fragrances whose longevity and scents are augmented by science. Designed to be stackable, the INFINIMENT COTY PARIS bottles become a canvas of artistic expression.
Now in its sixth consecutive year, 1-54’s continued partnership with Christie’s reflects the fair’s dynamic relationship with the global auction house. The collaboration also demonstrates Christie’s commitment to showcasing contemporary African art to its global client base and enhancing exposure for the fair internationally.
1-54is proud to once again be partnering with Audi Maroc. Audi maintains a creative dialogue with art and design: Art is created on the pulse of time and provides a perspective on developments of the future. As a progressive brand, Audi stands for modern, trendsetting design and seeks creative interaction. The support of visual arts and design therefore plays an important role for the company. The Audi Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles in the premium and luxury segments.
Fondation TGCC is delighted to support 1-54 as a long-standing sponsor since its first edition in Marrakech. Created in 2017, Fondation TGCC works towards the promotion and accessibility of contemporary art through Artorium Art Space and charity events. Its mission is to preserve, transmit and reveal culture through its commitment to Morocco’s cultural landscape. For this edition, Fondation TGCC will present a group exhibition showcasing the works of the Prix Mustaqbal winners, celebrating the prize’s 5th anniversary.
Press release from 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair
Image: Malick Welli. From Forgotten paradise series. 2024. Photography. 120 x 160 cm. Edition of 3 + 1 AP. Image courtesy of L’Atelier 21, Casablanca, Morocco
