In the ever-evolving world of contemporary art, the latter part of the year 2023 promises to be vibrant, with exhibitions ongoing and visionary curatorship unceasing. As the art world gears up for a spectacular finale, we explore a curated selection of upcoming art fairs that will captivate aficionados, collectors, and enthusiasts alike. From London's iconic Somerset House to the sun-drenched shores of Miami Beach, and the heart of Paris, these art fairs bring together a rich tapestry of artistry and diverse art enthusiasts. Each event possesses its unique character, casting a spotlight on emerging talents, established masters, and the ideas that will shape the contemporary art landscape in the coming months.
As the year begins to wind down, we look at which art fairs remain on the calendar and will close the season down. Image courtesy of Tatler.
1-54 LONDON
London, 12-15 October 2023
1-54 returns to Somerset House for the 11th consecutive year. The 2023 edition boasts a record-breaking 62 international exhibitors, including one-third from the African continent. Notably, 14 galleries will make their debut at the London edition, showcasing over 170 artists across various mediums, from painting and sculpture to mixed media and installation. Newcomers include Affinity Gallery (Lagos, Nigeria), Efie Gallery (Dubai, United Arab Emirates), Maāt Gallery (Paris, France), Asfalto (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and The African Art Hub (London, UK)
Specially commissioned for the fair Moroccan artist Amine El Gotaibi presents his most ambitious work to date: Illuminate the Light in collaboration with MCC Gallery in Marrakech, Morocco. The artist presents twelve individual geometric sculptures inspired by the seeds of a pomegranate that vary widely in shape and colour, to represent the diversity and abundance of the African continent.
Installation view of the 1-54 Art Fair 2021. Image courtesy Artnet News
Always Known As Africa (AKAA)
Paris, 20-22 October 20-22 2023
AKAA, the only art fair in France dedicated to contemporary art and design from Africa, returns for the 8th edition. Over the years, AKAA has remained true to its original vision, an invitation to discover artists who claim a link in their practice to the African continent. A contemporary look at these artistic scenes that goes beyond geographical borders, open to dialogue, discovery and wonder without clichés or preconceptions. For this edition, AKAA highlights curatorial practice in the context of a fair and market. Under the artistic direction of Armelle Dakouo, invitations were extended to curators and artists for projects, installations, and written contributions that delve into curatorial practice's nuances and the issues it champions.
Installation view of Also Known As Africa. Image courtesy AKAA Project.
Frieze London
London, 11–15 October 2023
Frieze London is set to captivate art enthusiasts this October. The fair, which is set against the backdrop of the 20th-anniversary celebrations, will have a large programme exploring the UK’s cultural landscape through a series of collaborations with key arts organisations and public institutions. These collaborations will sit alongside Frieze London’s special section Artist-to-Artist, which invites eight world-renowned artists such as Tracy Emin and Olafur Eliasson to propose a counterpart for a solo exhibition at the fair, as well as the return of the critically acclaimed Frieze Artist Award and free public programme Frieze Sculpture.
Frieze London returns to captivate audiences for its twentieth year in a row. Image courtesy Frieze London
Paris Photo
Pairs, 9-12 November 2023
The next edition of Paris Photo will grace the Grand Palais Éphémère Set against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, this temporary space will unite leading galleries and art book dealers for its highly anticipated 24th edition. The event will feature vintage and modern masters alongside contemporary trends, offering a rich program of exhibitions, conversations, artist signings, and curated fair paths. Visitors can see booths by artists such as Hassan Hajjaj, Samuel Fosso, Zanele Muholi, Mickalene Thomas, Mame-Diarra Niang and Frida Orupabo.
Frida Orupabo, Hair roller, image courtesy of STEVENSON, Amsterdam, Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Art X Lagos
Lagos, 2-5 November 2023.
Later in the year Art X Lagos will take place in West Africa’s leading art destination. Outside of the fair itself, audiences can look forward to special projects, talks and Lagos Art Week, a programme showcasing a diverse array of outstanding art events taking place within the city. Especially exciting is the access ART X Prize – this will announce a prize winner from Nigeria as well as another winner from other parts of the continent and its diaspora. Jurors for the prize include Babajide Adeniyi-Jones, Daudi Karungi, Gabi Ngcobo, Emeka Ogboh, Barthélémy Toguo, and Yesomi Umolu.
Art Fair white cubes view. Image courtesy of Culture Tree
Art Basel Miami Beach
Miami, 8-10 December 2023
To culminate the year, the art world converges on Miami Beach in early December for a series of art fairs. Leading galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa show significant work from the masters of Modern and contemporary art, as well as the new generation of emerging stars. Paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, films, and editioned works of the highest quality are on display in the main exhibition hall. The fair is scaling back for this edition with fewer exhibitors this year than last. Accompanying Art Basel Miami Beach are Untitled Art, located on the beachfront, and NADA Miami, held in the heart of Miami, making for an art extravaganza.
Art Basel Miami Beach installation view. Image courtesy Stephen Friedman.
Investec Cape Town Art Fair
Cape Town, 16-18 February 2024.
The Investec Cape Town Art Fair stands as Africa's largest art fair including renowned galleries from Africa and the globe, which predominantly spotlights contemporary art. Highlights will include the Tomorrows/Today section, Inhabiting the Wild, curated by Dr. Mariella Franzoni, which provides a platform for emerging and underrepresented artists and acts as a forecast of future relevant practices and ideas. A section curated by renowned writer, Sean O'Toole, Loopholes in the Walls of Darkness, and a section co-curated by Natasha Becker and Amogelang Maledu titled Generations that will celebrate artists who are at different stages in their career and instigates cross-generational conversations among them.
