MARRAKECH IN FEBRUARY: 1-54 FAIR.

By Nii B. Andrews.

Marrakech – Africa’s first ever proclaimed Capital City of Culture 2020, will host its 3rd Edition Contemporary African Art Fair (1-54 Marrakech) from February 22 -23, 2020.

The VIP and press previews are scheduled for February 20 and 21.

1-54 is a highly important mega event that keeps growing in strength and broad appeal with its other venues in New York City (Spring) and London (Fall).

From holidaypirates.com

The latest Marrakech edition will feature the work of 70 artists by 20 galleries from 10 countries: Belgium, Ivory Coast, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

Marrakech, the magical ancient African city, is home to one of the most dynamic artistic scenes anywhere in the world, and this event aims to draw on the centuries old creative energy of the city stimulated by its artists, galleries and institutions; including of course its ebullient population, inspiring architecture – public and private spaces, fantastic cuisine and nightlife.

From holidaypirates.com

The fair will also present a wide program of tailor-made events in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary African Art Al Madeen (MACAAL), the Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech Museum, the Art Montresso Foundation, Le 18, the Galerie Comptoir des Mines and the French Institute.

Also included in the fair program are conferences and round tables initiated with international curators, artists and cultural producers. 

PORTRAIT OF MURSI BOY: Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe, acrylic on canvas, 100 x 102 cm, signed left lower corner, title, artist’s name and size verso, 2016. Private collection, purchased from the artist.

All of these events will be held at the breath taking La Mamounia Hotel, the École Supérieure des Arts Visuels (ESAV) and the “Le 18” space. 

For the 2020 edition, the 1-54 Forum will be organized for the first time by an independent art space, The Showroom, London. 

The project will be led by the conservation team at The Showroom and use its methodology from the organization’s engagement program with its local community in north-west London.

Sistah Deidre in a doorway at the Palais Bahia; January 2020.

The thrust of the 1-54 Forum will be “to question the multiple practices of socially engaged art, leading to the production of a new roadmap of collective methodologies organizational and institutional – born from this meeting between artists, activists, institutions and community organizers ”.

The Ochre City is always an exciting place and the perfect venue for such a seminal event on contemporary African art, the 1-54 fair.

With Riki, Gueliz January 2020.

The collectors, enthusiasts, artists, curators and BEAUTY FULL people who travel to Marrakech for 1-54, will surely not be disappointed as the city unveils its wonderful allure and magnificent charms…..Africa, as it was and ought to be, poised, posh and polished.

“The Box”
SELF PORTRAIT: Hicham Benohoud, 2004.

1 thought on “MARRAKECH IN FEBRUARY: 1-54 FAIR.”

  1. Breathtaking BEAUTY FULL places.

    That Quaicoe painting. If you look at the eyes you will think it is a photograph. Waow. 👍🏼

    Those big doors. The quality of the woodwork. So what have we done with our timber from Ghana?

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