Art of Africa: Marrakech showcases artists from across the continent

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As the only international art fair dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora, 1-54 takes its name from the number of countries on the continent. The Marrakech edition is running this weekend until 11 February

Main image: Hidden Code, a 2023 acrylic and Indian ink on canvas painting by the Cameroonian artist Hako Hankson. Photograph: Courtesy of Primo Marella Gallery and the artist

  • The Giant Donkey by Anaëlle Myriam Chaaib

    The French Moroccan artist, who also goes under the name Myriam au Citron, portrays scenes of life in which images of France mingle with those of Morocco.
    Naivist painting of large saddled donkey with two small people sitting on bench and woman with laundry

  • Charité 4 by Ange Dakouo

    Based in Mali’s capital, Bamako, Dakouo uses painting, video, sculpture and installation to produce work that reflects his Malian cultural heritage. Charité 4 uses cardboard, newspaper, cotton thread and acrylic.
    Cardboard, newspaper, cotton thread and acrylic to create what looks like off-white rug with blocks of red

  • Untitled by Éder Oliveira

    Born in 1983 in Timboteua, in Brazil’s Amazonian state of Pará, Oliveira’s work is influenced by people of Amazonian and Indigenous descent.
    Woman holding toddler, people on jetty and person in boat, with water represented as splashes of red.

  • Hidden Code by Hako Hankson

    Hankson is a self-taught artist who brings the culture of west Cameroon to his work, such as in this 2023 acrylic and Indian ink on canvas picture.
    Acrylic and Indian ink on canvas picture showing collage

  • Streets of Marrakech, Morocco, by Girma Berta

    A self-taught Ethiopian photographer and artist, Berta uses his iPhone to synthesise street photography with fine art, often producing vibrant portraits of the inhabitants of African cities.
    Man on motorcycle with vivid blue stripes behind him

  • Et La Sève Fut … 002 by Ghizlane Sahli

    The Moroccan artist, who lives and works in Marrakech, used embroidery, wire covered with silk thread and paint to create this work. After studying architecture in Paris, Sahli returned to Morocco and in 2012 co-founded the Zbel Manifesto collective, which is dedicated to working with waste and repurposed materials.
    Red design on irregular horizontal stripes

  • Untitled by Hicham Benohoud

    Born in Morocco but now living in France, Benohoud uses photography to show the intertwining of identity politics and power relations. His photographs combine elements of reality in unexpected ways, and uncommon situations.
    Photo of a man doing a handstand balancing a table on his feet, watched by two women in fairly ornate tiled room.

  • Linking Path by Samuel Nnorom

    The Nigerian artist uses an African print wax fabric called Ankara as the predominant material in his work. By sewing, tying and cutting, he creates intricate patterns of fabric-covered foam balls that are stitched together.
    Intricate fabric-covered foam balls stitched together.

  • Untitled by Mahi Binebine

    The Moroccan painter and novelist moved to Paris in 1980 to continue his studies in mathematics, which he taught for eight years. He then devoted himself to writing and painting. His work, cen­tred on the human figure, explores the issue of humanity and extreme con­di­tions.
    Abstract of a black face with a white band for eyes and paint dripping down canvas

  • Don’t You See That a Procession is Coming III (Wunhu Sɛ Santen Bi Reba III) by Rita Mawuena Benissan

    This velvet tapestry by the Ghanian-American artist is part of her work that explores questions of culture, identity and history through the reimagining of customary objects and in particular royal umbrellas, as a symbol of Ghanian identity.
    Silhouettes of people raising their hands and looking up to the stars

  • Untitled by Ibrahim Ballo

    This artwork featuring acrylic, cotton embroidery and weaving on paper and is inspired by the Sénoufo women of the Malian artist’s community who weave cotton for clothing.
    Acrylic, cotton embroidery and weaving on paper to create patchwork quilt type image of woman in profile with flower drooping from her mouth

  • Burning Passion by Sheila Fuseini

    The Ghanaian contemporary painter, who is based in Accra, uses acrylics and leather to create images that reflect personal growth and identity.
    Fairly abstract acrylic and leather picture

  • God’s Child by Sarfo Emmanuel Annor

    The Ghanaian artist started as a painter before becoming an apprentice for a fashion designer and taking photographs. He began shooting portraits of people around him using a smartphone because cameras and other equipment were too expensive.
    Silhouette of child with detailed yellow flower in their hair

  • Confidences by Mohamed Lekleti

    The Moroccan artist, who is based in France, uses drawing and mixed media to analyse the movement of people and things.
    Mixed media showing movement of people and things.
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