1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair in New York

1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair, a leading transnational platform dedicated to promoting African and Africa related art practices and projects, will make its New York debut on May 15-17, 2015, with a VIP preview on Thursday, May 14. The fair will take place at Pioneer Works | Center for Art + Innovation in Red Hook, Brooklyn, and will be designed by RA Projects, award-winning London-based architecture and design studio. A reference to fifty-four countries that constitute the African continent, the title of 1:54 establishes the parameters of the fair’s ethos: as a platform that strives to represent multiplicity and showcase the diversity of contemporary African art and cultural production on an international stage. The New York edition will present a wide range of artistic voices including established and celebrated artists who have paved the way for future artistic generations, and a fast-growing number of promising emerging talent. Spanning several generations and diverse mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography and installation, the selection includes works by Edson Chagas, star of the Angolan Pavilion – awarded the prestigious accolade for Best National Participation at the 55th Venice Biennale; Prix Pictet shortlist photographer Sammy Baloji; Malian artist Abdoulaye Konaté; Tunisian artist and researcher Nidhal Chamekh; Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama; and Nigerian curator and artist Lavar Munroe; many of which have been selected for presentation at this year’s 56th Venice Biennale. New York art-goers will likely recognize numerous artists establishing a global presence, such as Aboudia and Boris Nzebo from Jack Bell Gallery (London), Maïmouna Guerresi and ruby onyinyechi amanze from Mariane Ibrahim Gallery (Seattle), and Joël Andrianomearisoa from Primo Marella Gallery (Milan). Led by Koyo Kouoh, 1:54 NY Forum will, as usual, comprise of a full programme of talks and panel discussions to explore critical topics pertinent to contemporary African art today. Parallel to the fair and forum, 1:54 NY Public Programme will offer a wide range of social events and engagements – more details to be announced shortly. For the second consecutive year, Artsy is the official online partner of 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair. Collectors and art enthusiasts can explore 1:54 NY, inquire on works for sale, and view special features such as highlights selected by art-world insiders on Artsy.net and the Artsy iPhone app. 1:54 NY Opening Hours: Friday, May 15 12-8 pm Saturday, May 16 12-8 pm Sunday, May 17 12-6 pm Admission: Day pass: $10 Week pass: $20 Students: $5 Participating galleries: A Palazzo Gallery, Brescia / Afronova, Johannesburg / Art Twenty One, Lagos / ARTCO Gallery, Aachen / Axis Gallery, New York / Bennett Contemporary, Cape Town / CIRCA Gallery, Johannesburg / Galerie Cécile Fakhoury, Abidjan / Jack Bell Gallery, London / Magnin-A, Paris / Mariane Ibrahim Gallery, Seattle / NOMAD Gallery, Brussels / Primo Marella Gallery, Milan / SMAC Gallery, Cape Town / VOICE Gallery, Marrakech For The full list of artists: click here. http://1-54.com