ON OUR RADAR: 1-54 NEW YORK
As 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair returns to New York, it brings with it a constellation of galleries shaping the future of African and diasporic art. This year’s edition features new voices alongside established forces in the contemporary art world — from Nassau to Johannesburg, Geneva to Kinshasa.
We’ve put together a curated selection of galleries exhibiting at the fair that we’re particularly excited about — each offering its own unique curatorial lens, standout artists, and stories worth watching.
As a media partner for this year’s event, we can’t wait to experience the spaces pushing boundaries, shifting narratives, and championing creativity from the continent and beyond.
Gallery Highlights at 1-54 New York 2025
As we gear up for this year’s edition of 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, we’ve curated a selection of galleries we’re most excited to see. Each brings a distinctive curatorial lens, regional perspective, and powerful narratives through the artists they represent.
TERN Gallery | Nassau, Bahamas
Making their debut at 1-54 New York, TERN is a contemporary art gallery and consultancy focused on emerging and mid-career artists from the Bahamas and the wider Caribbean. Through its exhibitions and collaborations, TERN uplifts regional visual arts while contributing to the global contemporary art dialogue.
Yossi Milo Gallery | New York, USA
Originally known for its photography program, Yossi Milo Gallery now showcases artists across disciplines. Their presentation at 1-54 will offer a multi-generational dialogue spanning centuries, with monochromatic works drawing connections across African and diasporic histories.
Gallery Article 15 | Washington, DC, USA
Focused on contemporary Congolese art, Gallery Article 15 highlights emerging to established voices from the DRC. The Georgetown-based space also offers cultural programming that deepens public engagement with Congolese heritage and artistry.
AKKA Project | Venice, Italy / Dubai, UAE
What began as a passion project for collectors Lidija and Kristian Khachatourian is now a thriving gallery platform. With locations in Venice and Dubai, AKKA Project brings intimate, immersive experiences that give voice to emerging African artists.
Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière | Paris, France
Based on Île-Saint-Louis, the gallery specialises in photography and long-term artist support. Since 2017, it has managed archives such as James Barnor’s and represents iconic photographers including Martin Parr and Peter Mitchell.
Galerie Carole Kvasnevski | Paris, France
With a focus on environmental and societal themes, this gallery supports emerging voices from Africa and its diaspora. Founded in 2010, it blends art with education and mediation, fostering collaborations with institutions like ENSAPC and la Cité des Arts.
Nil Gallery | Paris, France
Founded by Hugo Zeytoun in 2016, Nil Gallery is anchored in Le Marais and highlights artists exploring Mediterranean identity and transformation. Its international footprint and artist residency program support creative evolution and global exposure.
KUB’ART Gallery | Kinshasa, DRC
Established in 2020, KUB’ART bridges digital and physical spaces to promote contemporary African art. Its mission is rooted in connection and accessibility, with standout artists like Eliam Mupipi and Rachel Malaïka engaging with themes of identity, technology, and transformation.
Fridman Gallery | New York, USA
Founded in 2013, Fridman Gallery champions global contemporary artists across all media. The gallery has presented first solo exhibitions for artists like Wura-Natasha Ogunji and Milford Graves, and led powerful group exhibitions such as Women at War. A staple in major fairs, its influence continues to grow.
FILAFRIQUES | Geneva/Abidjan
A Black woman-owned gallery with roots in Switzerland and Côte d’Ivoire, Filafriques is known for unconventional exhibition spaces — from airport lounges to international institutions. Their diverse roster includes Obou Gbais, Reggie Khumalo, and Roasted Kweku, with a mission to embed African art into everyday life.
Berman Contemporary | Johannesburg, South Africa
A female-led gallery founded by Candice Berman in 2016, Berman Contemporary is committed to representing and empowering women artists. Their programming spans multiple mediums — sculpture, video, painting, installation — and includes acclaimed artists like Cow Mash, DuduBloom More, and Odette Graskie.
