12th Edition of New York’s 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair Honors Afro-Brazilian Innovation
In the realm of art, few occasions hold as much excitement as the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, poised to brighten New York’s Starrett-Lehigh Building from May 13 to May 17, 2026. Serving as a tribute to the rich and varied artistry emerging from Africa and its diasporas, 1-54 has established itself as a guiding light for contemporary African art on an international platform. Established nearly 15 years ago by Touria El Glaoui, the fair takes its name from the 54 nations that constitute the African continent, although its influence reaches well beyond geographical confines, highlighting diasporic artists who represent the vibrancy and complexity found within African stories.
In the lively art fair calendar, which will also feature prominent events like Frieze and NADA, 1-54 distinguishes itself by offering a dedicated platform for African and diasporic creativity. This year’s rendition enhances its investigation of transnational stories by placing special emphasis on Afro-Brazilian art. Curated by Igor Simões, the ‘Brazil Beyond Brazil’ section aims to broaden the fair’s scope by focusing on Afro-Brazilian artistic practices.
Featuring a vibrant selection of galleries, this 12th New York edition will celebrate creators such as Chéri Chérin, known for transforming pop art through a unique Black cultural perspective. Additional highlights include Marcel Gotène’s vibrant works from the Poto Poto school and the multidisciplinary art of Lavett Ballard utilizing reclaimed materials. Remarkable galleries like Washington D.C.’s Article 15 and Loeve&Co will showcase exhibitions ranging from dynamic wooden panels to surrealist collages and multimedia photographs.
1-54’s commitment to fostering thought-provoking dialogues is clear in its Talks Program—which encourages engagement with local art scenes and cultural practitioners. While details of this year’s partnerships remain undisclosed, previous editions confirm that the talks will create meaningful connections among collectors, artists, galleries, and institutions.
The 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair demonstrates that African art transcends a single narrative, providing a space where diverse viewpoints evolve organically, thereby enriching the understanding of contemporary African and diasporic artistry. For further details about the fair, including its schedule and featured artists, visit the [1-54 website](https://www.1-54.com/).