Driven by a mission to amplify underrepresented artists, Touria El Glaoui founded the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, now a powerhouse event in London, New York, and Marrakech. Her inspiration stemmed from witnessing the challenges her father, a celebrated Moroccan painter, faced in gaining international visibility. The fair was created to dismantle these barriers, providing a vibrant global platform for artists from Africa and its diaspora. From its humble beginnings with 17 galleries, the fair now showcases over 50 international exhibitors across 13 countries. At the Somerset House edition, the fair’s energy blends art, fashion, and history in an intimate, accessible space. With a rigorous selection process and a focus on commercial success, El Glaoui continues to push boundaries, planning future initiatives like a permanent 1-54 foundation to secure the fair’s legacy.
Daily Maverick
