In the heart of Marrakech, the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair once again graced the city with its vibrant presence. This year, the prestigious event took place at two iconic venues: La Mamounia, a luxurious palace hotel on the edge of the bustling medina, and Dada, an art events space nestled near Jemaa el-Fnaa, the city’s lively main square.
Founded by Touria El Glaoui—a daughter of Morocco and renowned artist Hassan El Glaoui—the fair is dedicated to showcasing the extraordinary talents of African artists and their diaspora. The name “1-54” itself pays homage to the 54 countries that make up the African continent. For this edition, half of the participating galleries hailed from Africa, marking a significant increase compared to the fair’s larger editions in London and New York.
Despite the current softness in the global art market, sales at 1-54 Marrakech remained robust. According to Art Basel and UBS’s 2023 report, dealers operating in African markets reported mixed results but managed to maintain steady growth. Touria El Glaoui attributes the fair’s success to its specialization and mission-driven ethos, noting that prices are often more competitive here than at similar international fairs.
On the opening day of the VIP preview, galleries experienced strong interest from collectors. One standout acquisition was Ghanaian artist Amoako Boafo’s Blank Stare (2021) , purchased by London’s Tate Modern through its Africa Acquisitions Committee Catalyst Fund. Local galleries also celebrated impressive sales: MCC Gallery, making its debut at the fair, sold six works ranging from €4,000 to €12,000, featuring artists like Amine El Gotaibi and Mo Baala. Meanwhile, Gallerie 38 showcased Younes Khourassani’s untitled painting for approximately €13,000, while Paris-based Nil Gallery found buyers for pieces by Sara Benabdallah and Abdellah El Hariri.
Beyond individual transactions, the fair highlighted Morocco’s burgeoning art infrastructure. With one-third of exhibitors hailing from within the country, Moroccan galleries played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of this year’s event. Since its inception in 2018, 1-54 Marrakech has catalyzed the city’s cultural renaissance, inspiring new galleries to open and fostering greater appreciation for local talent both domestically and internationally.
To complement the fair’s offerings, organizers collaborated with galleries in Guéliz, Marrakech’s upscale district, to create an immersive art walk. On Thursday evening, visitors were invited to explore exhibitions across the city, culminating in a series of simultaneous gallery openings—an unprecedented feat for the region. Among these highlights was a performance by Miles Greenberg, protegé of legendary artist Marina Abramović, held at the historic ruins of El Badi Palace.
Cultural institutions throughout Marrakech joined the festivities, hosting complementary events and exhibitions. The Izza hotel presented a group show featuring digital artworks from its collection alongside installations by Safaa Erruas, Amina Agueznay, and Amina Benbouchta. The celebration concluded with a lively soirée at the riad hotel, celebrating the conclusion of the fair week.
Touria El Glaoui expressed her pride in Morocco’s evolving status as an art destination. “The development happening across cities like Tangier, Casablanca, and Rabat is remarkable,” she said. “We have everything—from residency programs to auction houses—and yet Morocco remains underrepresented on the global stage.”
For many participating galleries, the fair served as a platform to introduce emerging Moroccan artists to an international audience. First-time exhibitor Abla Ababou, founder of the eponymous gallery in Rabat, emphasized the importance of supporting homegrown talent. Her stand featured works by Noureddine Amir, Hakim Benchekroun, Ilias Selfati, and Fatiha Zemmouri, priced between €2,000 and €20,000. Young artist Benchekroun’s exploration of colonial legacies resonated deeply with attendees, blending photographs of colonial architecture with contemporary Moroccan landscapes.
Another highlight came from Loft Art Gallery, founded in 2009 by sisters Myriem and Yasmine Berrada in Casablanca. Known for championing Moroccan artists, Loft Art showcased works by Nassim Azarzar, Samy Snoussi, Bouchra Boudoua, and Amina Agueznay. Standout pieces included Azarzar’s road-trip-inspired paintings, which fetched €5,800, and Agueznay’s intricate textile hanging, sold for €15,000.
