Shifting Perspectives: African Photographers Reimagine Art at 1-54 

1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair returns to London, providing a vibrant platform where African photographers challenge conventions and captivate their audience with innovative narratives. 

Entering its second decade, 1-54 remains the only global art fair dedicated exclusively to contemporary art from the continent and its diaspora.  This year’s edition will feature over 60 international exhibitors, including 21 new galleries – the highest influx of newcomers since the fair’s inception.  More than 160 established and emerging artists from Africa and its diaspora will present their works, spanning a diverse range of mediums; photography, sculpture, mixed media, performance, and installation. A standout feature at this year’s fair is the compelling photography that delves into themes of identity and cultural reflection. 

African photography is no longer merely about capturing images. It transcends boundaries and defies expectations. As 1-54 Fair grows stronger as the beacon of contemporary African art, it has positioned itself as the stage where the powerful voices of African photographers resonate the loudest.  

From studios brimming with creativity to the bustling metropolises of the continent and beyond, African photographers are reinventing visual storytelling.  Visionaries like Seydou Keïta and Malick Sidibé, who transformed photography from a colonial tool into a means of liberating expression, have paved the way for a new generation of artists today.  They capture complex and sublime realities, illustrating the vibrant soul of Africa and its diaspora.  Driven by major events and dynamic cultural exchanges, these artists do not merely bear witness; they revolutionise.  Each shot is a living fresco, distilling the essence of contemporary cultures, struggles, and triumphs.  They embody an ever-evolving Africa, narrating its modern story with boldness and creativity.  

Meet six photographers at 1-54, whose work transcends borders and challenges conventions. They do not merely capture gazes; they enchant minds and etch their works into posterity. 

Thandiwe Muriu (193 Gallery, Paris, France/Venice, Italy) 

In the predominantly male-dominated world of Kenyan photography, Thandiwe Muriu shines as a rare luminary.  She picked up her father’s old Nikon at the age of 14, and has never looked back.  A self-taught photographer, Muriu immersed herself in books and video tutorials, learning from every resource she could find.  By 17, she was working professionally, and at 23, spearheaded her first solo advertising campaign.  By 2019, she had cemented her status as a leading figure in the East African advertising landscape, shooting campaigns for some of the largest companies in the region. 

Muriu’s work showcases Africa’s unique mix of vibrant textiles, cultural practices, and beauty ideologies.  Her groundbreaking ‘Camo’ series reimagines contemporary African portraiture.  Eschewing digital trickery, she uses fabrics and everyday objects to create surreal illusions that explore identity and self-perception.  Each shot is a meticulously crafted testament to female empowerment, exuding precision and purpose.  Since 2020, the art world has celebrated the profound cultural reflections in her work, as she crafts a bold new narrative of African women’s autonomy.  Her works have been acquired by prestigious collections, and tech giants like Apple, and global institutions such as the United Nations have sought her distinctive vision.  In 2023, Muriu unveiled her first solo exhibition in Paris.  She also features in ‘Passengers in Transit’, a group exhibition and an official collateral event at the 60th Venice Biennale. 

What makes Muriu’s work truly remarkable is her seamless blend of tradition and modernity.  She doesn’t just present photographs; she offers an immersive experience celebrating modern African culture and female empowerment.  Each photograph is a visual narrative, defying conventions and captivating audiences with its boldness and depth. 

Sara Benabdallah (Nii Gallery, Paris, France) 

Nestled in the labyrinthine streets of Marrakech’s historic Medina, Sara Benabdallah emerges as a modern-day bard, weaving tales that echo the vibrant tapestry of Morocco’s heritage and culture.  Born in 1995, this Moroccan photographer and filmmaker has been shaped by a unique upbringing.  Her parents, artisan restorers of historic riads, often hosted artists from around the world, exposing Benabdallah to a diverse creative milieu from an early age.  Her series, ‘Al-Astrulabiya’, is a testament to the scientific contributions of Arab astronomers, inspired by the ancient astrolabe. Benabdallah collaborates closely with local artisans to revive traditional craftsmanship through contemporary photography.  During the Covid-19 pandemic, she began crafting custom frames for her works, working with various materials and artisans, symbolising her feeling and sense of confinement during the pandemic, which she later transformed into standalone art pieces 

In her series, ‘Dry Land’, she explores the intricacies of Moroccan womanhood, bringing to light the unspoken challenges faced by single women in a culture defined by strict traditions.  Using fictional storytelling, she highlights gender bias and social scrutiny, revealing the difficulties women encounter in meeting societal norms. 

Benabdallah’s work is a powerful commentary on gender dynamics, aiming to spark introspection and dialogue.  She is currently preparing to open a family-run tea house and has an upcoming exhibition in the United States, continuing her mission to blend tradition with innovation.  Her photography not only captures moments but also serves as a catalyst for cultural reflection and social change.  

Januario Jano (MOVART, Lisbon, Portugal / Luanda, Angola) 

Januario Jano’s artistic practice is distinguished by a profound attention to research and materiality.  Born in 1980 in Angola, he combines sculpture, video, photography, textiles, sound installation, and performance to explore complex themes related to identity and memory.  With a master’s degree in fine arts from Goldsmiths, University of London, he engages in a creative process at the intersection of intellectual rigour and artistic intuition. 

 At the heart of Jano’s work, research is not limited to theory.  It extends to the meticulous selection of materials and textures, with each piece becoming a malleable structure that can adapt to future adjustments and reflections.  He prefers to start his projects with an open idea, allowing for spontaneity and raw authenticity that make his creations both multilayered and evolving. 

Intrigued by the dialectic between fiction and reality, Jano explores the notions of ‘home’ and ‘self’ in a world of perpetual cultural and economic interdependence.  This exploration translates into works that interrogate and deconstruct historical and contemporary narratives, fostering authentic interaction with the public. 

Beyond his artistic activity, Jano is a fervent advocate of art and culture in Angola.  He founded Pés Descalços, a cultural and philanthropic collective, and has been organising TEDxLuanda since 2012, significantly contributing to cultural innovation and dialogue in his home country. 

 Jano’s works have been celebrated internationally, and featured in prestigious collections.  In 2022, he was part of a group exhibition at the Museum of African Art in Belgrade.  His London exhibition, ‘Imbambas: Unsettled Feelings of an Object and Self’, at the Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, was warmly received.  Jano was shortlisted for the Norval Sovereign African Art Prize, and participated in the Ozangé |First Biennial of African Photography in 2023.  

 At 1-54, he presents a series of captivating works that interrogate the fluidity of identity, using the human body as a central motif, inviting viewers to deeply reflect on their perceptions of self and culture. 

Dola Posh (Cynthia Corbett Gallery) 

Dola Posh, also known as IbiDola Sogbesan, has been transcending the boundaries of visual art since her arrival in London in 2018.  Originally from Nigeria, the artist and storyteller in Posh has harnessed her ability and imagination to transform personal challenges into captivating works of art.  Driven by her Yoruba culture and a deep connection with nature, she illuminates the profound aspects of the human condition. 

Motherhood marked a turning point in her artistic journey, infusing her creations with poignant reflections on the loss of identity and postpartum depression.  Her iconic photograph, ‘Care’, from her ‘Omo Mi’ series has been showcased on billboards across the UK, based on a commission by Artichoke Trust and The Gallery Org.  Her work was featured by Meta for Creators in 2021, and she is a recipient of the Leica grant for the Women in Focus Photo Project 2023. 

But Posh does not stop at art for art’s sake.  She is deeply invested in mental health initiatives, leading workshops for the NHS.  She has also given a talk at Ravensbourne University London, offering a female perspectives on photography.  Her work has been immortalised in the book, Poetic Truths of Home and Motherhood by Eye Mama, a poetic celebration about the realities of motherhood.  In 2023, she was a finalist for the Young Masters Art Prize.  

Posh uses her art as a mirror of the soul, exploring the themes of mental and sexual health of Black women and motherhood.  For her, every image is a visual poem, while each story offers an invitation to feel, understand, and heal.  With her unique perspective, she continues to tell the stories of everyday life with a depth and authenticity that captivate and transform. 

Posh will be in conversation with Chicago-based painter Ashley January on the theme of ‘Artful Motherhood: Navigating Creativity and the Influence of Parenthood on Artistic Practice,’ as part of the dialogue series at 1-54.  Presented by Cynthia Corbett Gallery, January and Posh will share their personal experiences of how motherhood intersects with their artistic careers.  

Mous Lamrabat (Loft Art Gallery) 

Mous Lamrabat, a Moroccan-Belgian photographer, found his true calling in photography after completing his studies in interior architecture.  Photography as a medium, provided him with the instant creative gratification and results he craved.   A self-taught artist, Lamrabat has carved out a unique niche, reimagining fashion photography with a sharp sense of irony.   

His work, steeped in Moroccan cultural references, critiques consumer society by juxtaposing ostentatious luxury with counterfeit elements.  Lamrabat’s models, often masked, are set against the natural landscapes of Morocco, offering a fresh reinterpretation of his country’s visual heritage. 

 Lamrabat regularly collaborates with esteemed publications such as Naatal, Tush magazine, and Stylist, France.  Through his evocative imagery, he aims to present Moroccan culture from a new perspective, blending respect for tradition with a critical eye on contemporary issues. 

Pushing the boundaries of fashion photography, Mous Lamrabat’s work at 1-54 promises to deliver a provocative and refreshing take on the contemporary African art scene. 

Zana Masombuka (October Gallery) 

Zana Masombuka, the ‘Ndebele Superhero’, is a dynamic South African visual artist whose creative odyssey spans photography, film, sculpture, and performance.  Splitting her time between Johannesburg’s urban hustle and the serene expanse of her farm in Sterkloop Mpumalanga, Masombuka orchestrates striking visual narratives that pulsate with cultural depth.   Raised in Siyabuswa, a rural enclave in KwaNdebele, her work is a vivid tapestry woven with threads of identity and heritage.  Armed with a degree in international studies from Stellenbosch University, she imbues her art with critical global insights.  Inspired by Ali A. Mazrui’s call for Africans to reclaim and reinterpret their history, her ‘Ndebele Superhero’ persona is a powerful conduit through which she explores identity, culture, and modernity through the lens of a contemporary Ndebele woman. 

Her debut solo London exhibition, ‘Nges’rhodlweni: A Portal for Black Joy’, at October Gallery in 2023, was a mesmerising journey into the heart of Ndebele traditions.  The exhibition’s title evokes a sacred communal space where art, expression, and intergenerational knowledge blossom.  Masombuka captures the cyclical nature of cultural wisdom, celebrating its infinite and unbounded transmission.  In her earlier works,  ‘Time: Gadesi S’khathi’, Masombuka metaphorically uses lemons to encapsulate the essence of time and the delicate dance of generational knowledge. In ‘Proudly South African: An Exploration of Identity’, she juxtaposes national emblems with contemporary symbols, probing the intricate politics of youth identity in South Africa.  Her series, ‘In 2009: Namba S’khambe’, Masombuka tackles the inequities of capitalism, questioning who truly has a ‘seat at the table?’ 

Masombuka’s art has graced galleries across Europe and South Africa, leaving an indelible mark at London’s 1-54 in 2022 and 2023, and at the 2024 New York edition.  Fresh from a residency in Mantova, Italy, her work was featured in a group exhibition at M.Bassy, Hamburg, exploring nature, the cosmos, and Black feminist perspectives. An eloquent speaker, she has inspired audiences at Taste Makers Africa, Almanac Projects, Sandberg Institute, Bocconi University, and C-Change Festival. 

For her third appearance at 1-54, Masombuka presents ‘Ubonani: What Do You See?’, a new series exploring the intersections of culture and identity.  Set in the rocky hills of Kwandebele, the series uses the colour red to shape its aesthetic tone. Accompanying the photographs are traditional Ndebele round, beaded sculptures inspired by the indigenous game ‘Is’qoqiso’. Through childhood sensitivity and curiosity, Masombuka delves into how mineral sources trigger memory, drawing on myth, storytelling, and spirituality. 

1-54 will be at Somerset House from 10-13 October 2024.