African Art Renaissance: Unveiling the Vibrancy and Impact on London's Creative Scene

Touria El Glaoui's intimate connection with art began in her upbringing in Casablanca, where her father, Hassan, stood as a prominent figurative painter. Despite art not being her professional background, early exposure to galleries and collectors provided her with a nuanced understanding of the industry. It was during her stints in America and London, working for an investment bank, that she discovered the relative obscurity of African art outside the continent. This realization prompted her to explore the vibrant contemporary African art scene during her work-related travels across the continent.

In 2011, inspired to bring the richness of African art to the West, El Glaoui conceived the idea of showcasing the works of an entire continent. In 2013, she launched her inaugural show, 1-54, at Somerset House, featuring art from 17 galleries. The success of the show, representing one continent with 54 countries, marked a turning point. Since then, 1-54 has expanded to New York and Marrakesh, becoming the world's largest fair dedicated to contemporary African art. The exhibitions showcase diverse approaches and materials, including paintings, sculptures, pottery, weaving, and installations. The popularity of the show has not only elevated African artists globally but has also significantly increased art prices, making it accessible to a broader audience.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, 1-54 embraced the digital realm by partnering with the online art platform Artsy and receiving support from Christie's. This transition to online platforms proved transformative for African artists and galleries that lack the means to physically participate in international shows. El Glaoui emphasizes the transformative potential of online representation, particularly for artists in African countries facing barriers such as limited resources, access, and visa challenges.

While progress has been made, El Glaoui notes that only a small percentage of contemporary African art is showcased globally. The disparity is evident in statistics, such as African art representing just over 4% of the art at the international FIAC art show in Paris in 2019. Despite challenges, El Glaoui remains optimistic about the growing recognition of African art on the global stage.