Highlights from 1-54, Minor Attractions, and PAD London: Showcasing African Contemporary Voices, hotel art installations, and Cutting-Edge Design Trends
Gavin Goodman, Ubuntu 2, 2024, Digital artwork, 160 x 120 cm. Edition of 7. Courtesy of FILAFRIQUES. Courtesy of FILAFRIQUES.
From Somerset House to Mayfair, London’s October art week expands its creative footprint with a trio of dynamic fairs spotlighting African contemporary voices, intimate installations, and cutting-edge design. Here are some highlights from 1-54, Minor Attractions and PAD London.
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair 2025
Now in its 13th consecutive year at Somerset House, 1-54 marks its teenage milestone as the leading global platform for contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. The 2025 edition features 50 international exhibitors from 18 countries, with a particularly strong contingent from across the African continent.
Renowned names including Hassan Hajjaj (at 193 Gallery), Ibrahim El-Salahi, Lakwena Maciver, and Seydou Keïtashow alongside rising and emerging talents such as Joël Bigaignon, Zenaéca Singh, Khadija El Abyad, and Afeez Onakoya.
This year’s fair puts a spotlight on Nigeria, presenting over 15 artists including Samuel Nnorom, Austin Uzor, and Ayoola Gbolahan, while South Africa is equally well represented with artists such as Reggie Khumalo, Zana Masombuka, and Boemo Diale.
A new Caribbean Spotlight brings fresh perspectives from the region’s dynamic art scenes, while other highlights include Gavin Goodman at FILAFRIQUES and Egyptian gallery TINTERA’s debut, featuring works by Ibrahim Ahmed and Hashim Nasr that encourage a contemplative dialogue around identity, gender, war, and exile through photography and photomontage.
Hashim Nasr, Status of Her, Crossed Authorities, 203, Archival pigment print, 60 x 45 cm. Edition of 5. Courtesy of the Artist.
Founding Director Touria El Glaoui comments: “Alongside contemporary works, we’re proud to be showcasing a selection of Modern artists as well. Highlights include the strong selection of photography, sculpture, and Caribbean artists’ work. We’re also delighted that 22 women-led galleries are exhibiting this year, with five presenting all-female booths—a sign of meaningful progress toward gender balance in the African art ecosystem.”
Beyond the gallery booths, 1-54 continues to animate Somerset House with Special Projects. Notably, Mónica de Miranda transforms the courtyard into a participatory botanical installation exploring humanity’s relationship with nature through a decolonial lens.
The fair’s Talks Programme features a discussion on pioneering Nigerian modernist Ben Enwonwu, a conversation between photographers Jennie Baptiste and Normski, and book signings with Dennis Morris and Ekow Eshun.
This year’s 1-54 Forum holds special significance, dedicated to the memory of the late Koyo Kouoh—the visionary curator and cultural leader whose legacy profoundly shaped contemporary African art.
Touria El Glaoui adds: “This year’s 1-54 Forum holds a very special place in our hearts. It is dedicated to the memory of the late Koyo Kouoh, who sadly passed away earlier this year. Koyo was not only an extraordinary curator, cultural leader, and visionary, but also a dear friend, to me personally, and to so many within this community. Her impact on 1-54 and on contemporary African art as a whole cannot be overstated. This year’s Forum, curated by RAW Material Company, is dedicated to her legacy. It will bring together artists, curators, academics, and cultural leaders to explore the themes that were central to Koyo’s practice and to her spirit: the ongoing decolonisation of knowledge, the exchange of cultures, and the amplification of African and diasporic narratives.”
1-54 is at Somerset House from 16th–19th October.
Ramone K Anderson in his studio. Courtesy of Bolanie Contemporary
Minor Attractions 2025
Now in its third edition, Minor Attractions returns to the Mandrake with its signature blend of art, performance, and atmosphere. The boutique fair has quickly established itself as one of London’s most original satellite events during Frieze Week, transforming the hotel’s rooms and suites into immersive curated displays.
Over 70 galleries from around the world will participate, presenting bespoke exhibitions, performances, and installations. Among the standout presentations is Bolanle Contemporary’s showcase of British-Jamaican painter Ramone K Anderson, Moving on Swiftly—a meditation on memory, interiority, and the spiritual imprint of Pentecostal Christianity.
The fair’s Performance Night will feature artists and collectives including Cabanon (Paris), Division of Labour (Salford), Miłość (London), and experimental sound platform Lateworks (London). Literary and cultural programming includes a Soho Reading Series hosted by author Geoff Dyer.
Eclectic, irreverent, and intimate, Minor Attractions continues to push the boundaries of what an art fair can be—turning the Mandrake into a multisensory labyrinth of visual and sonic encounters.
Minor Attractions is at The Mandrake Hotel from 15th–18th October.
Sceners Gallery at PAD London. Nick Harvey
PAD London 2025
For design aficionados, PAD London remains the capital’s premier fair for collectible design, returning to Berkeley Square for its 17th edition. Bringing together 67 international exhibitors, the fair spans centuries of creativity—from rare historical masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary design.
This year’s edition welcomes 11 new galleries, including the fair’s first participants from the Middle East and Cyprus.
Highlights include; PIK’D (Beirut) with a display of distinctive ceramic and glass pieces by Lebanese and international designers; NM Art & Design (Limassol, London) spotlight on tactile, organic forms, including contemporary works by Sfossils; Friedman Benda (New York, Los Angeles) presents The Magpie’s Nest, a display curated by Faye Toogood; and an exclusive collection of vases designed by the late Gianni Versace at Unforget (Belgium).
Faye Toogood with Maquette 208/ Paper Chair at PAD London. Nick Harvey
The PAD London booth prize was awarded to Sceners Gallery for their display which includes Ron Arad’s Thick Vac Chair (2006), and the Contemporary Design Prize was awarded to Faye Toogood for her Maquette 208/ Paper Chair.
A cross-section of eras and aesthetics, PAD London continues to attract collectors and connoisseurs seeking design that bridges the timeless and the avant-garde.
PAD London is at Berkeley Square from 14th–19th October.
Chris Levine at George Frieze 2025
Chris Levine at George
Members Club George are getting into the Frieze Week spirit, and are showcasing the work of Chris Levine, internationally acclaimed for his groundbreaking light portraits and immersive installations. After PAD London, visitors to George might want to check out Levine’s iconic images of Queen Elizabeth II, Kate Moss and Gilbert & George are on display in the club and restaurant.