Artists, gallerists, collectors, and art enthusiasts from around the world flocked to Marrakech from January 30 to February 2 for the 1-54 fair, which this year offered an especially vibrant and spectacularly colorful edition.
Fostering Artistic Flourishing
With the aim of promoting the diversity of artistic creation, including not only established artists but also young creators and unconventional talents, the event was organized around two exhibition venues. The prestigious La Mamounia hotel hosted international and Moroccan galleries, showcasing works by local, African, and international artists, some already renowned. The multidisciplinary art space DaDa, located on the famous Jemaa El-Fnaa square in the heart of the Medina, was dedicated to highlighting artistic concepts.
Creativity was decidedly in the spotlight this year, with numerous special projects and collaborations. The Kalhath Foundation highlighted the work of Moroccan artist Amina Benbouchta, whose embroideries, blending Indian traditions and Moroccan memories, explore gender narratives. The Tanger Print Club, a collective of artists, artisans, and researchers innovating in printing, also took center stage. L’Appartement 22 showcased avant-garde creations, including M’barek Bouhchichi’s portraits painted on rubber and Margaux Derhy’s compositions combining photography and embroidery.
Promoting International Visibility
The international ambition of the event was also achieved, with thirty galleries from 15 countries participating this year. Africa naturally took the lead, with 14 galleries, but other continents were well represented, including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Among the first-time exhibitors were galleries from Italy, Japan, Ivory Coast, Kuwait, and Tunisia, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of the event.
This gathering reinforces Morocco’s central role on the contemporary art scene, serving as an ideal meeting point for audiences from Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. Art enthusiasts from the rest of the world can also meet in London or New York, where 1-54 organizes annual events. The next rendezvous is in New York, from May 8 to 11!
