At the 2024 London edition of the 1-54 Fair, art aficionados and casual visitors alike were treated to a dazzling array of contemporary African art, presented with remarkable finesse across numerous booths. However, among the vibrant exhibitions, certain booths stood out for their unique offerings, innovative displays, and the sheer impact of their artworks.

One of the most acclaimed booths was by Gallery MOMO, which brought forth an exceptionally curated collection. The Johannesburg-based gallery echoed with themes of postcolonial futures through its display of multidimensional works from leading African artists. A standout piece was a bold new installation by Mary Sibande that played with historical narratives through powerful visual storytelling.

Tiwani Contemporary also captivated audiences with its showing. The London-based gallery impressed with a thoughtful presentation by artist Nengi Omuku, whose swirling canvasses explored identity and belonging with a mesmerizing palette rich in blues and earth tones. The gallery’s engagement with emerging artists and their narratives offered an intimate rendezvous between art and viewer.

AFIKARIS gallery whisked visitors away on a journey across time and space. Focused primarily on the works from Francophone African countries, the booth featured the captivating sculptures of Aboudia that evoked an urban landscape peppered with childhood innocence and societal reflections.

Jack Bell Gallery’s bold curatorial decision paid off this year by dedicating its entire space to one monumental piece by Nigerian artist Ugochukwu C. Ani. The ambitious sculpture was both provocative and enchanting, causing viewers to contemplate global interconnectedness.

Lastly, Loft Art Gallery’s booth was unmissable due to its ingenious design which mirrored the dynamism present within the contemporary African art scene. It perfectly underscored striking works from up-and-coming Moroccan artists like Hicham Benohoud whose conceptual photography questioned traditional forms of representation.

As fairgoers left this year’s 1-54 Fair in London, the conversations buzzed most about these booths—each different from the other yet united in showcasing a cornucopia of talent from Africa and its diasporas. With insightful curation and boundary-pushing artistry on full view, these hubs provided an illuminating snapshot into Africa’s thriving contemporary arts scene.