1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair - Marrakech, Morocco
Photo courtesy 1-54.
The allure of Marrakech is legendary. The colors and textures, spices and sounds of the city, all awaiting discovery in dizzying souks, tickle the curiosities of travelers worldwide. It’s no surprise then, that Marrakech was my most spectacular travel experience to date. As a publisher of words there are few moments when the summary of an experience eludes written description. This was one such moment. Marrakech was a feeling, and one which surpassed exuberance.
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair Marrakech was the first edition of the Europe-born art fair on the African continent. It was so special to have been present for the fair’s “homecoming” and to have simultaneously experienced a homecoming of my own: The trip to Marrakech was my first visit to the continent since moving from Freetown to DC as a child. At 1-54 in Marrakech I witnessed the most awesome display of African panache; revelry; accomplishment; strength.
The fair was held in one of the city’s most luxurious hotel, La Mamounia. Such a glamorous backdrop was fitting to display art. Morocco’s unique mix of African, Arab, and European influence was apparent in the pan-African and international mix of artworks shown as well as the fair-goers present. In another nod to the theme of community, the art display extended beyond 1-54 and incorporated mainstay arts institutions in the local community. Concurrent exhibitions at Musee Yves Saint Laurent, Museum of Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL) (exhibition: Africa is No Island), Montresso Art Foundation (In-Discipline #1), as well as shows in local galleries, ensured the overlapping of itineraries thrice over and more.
Mixed among the many exhibition openings were the equally plentiful cocktail receptions and parties (Africans never need a reason to party and we were in Africa, after all!). Late nights, every night, caused a bit of fair fatigue set in.
I learned some time ago that art functions and late night fetes are an inseparable pair, so I now organize trips with allowance for a place of good rest. In the case of MarrakechI found solace in my riad, Riad de Tarabel. I am fond of architecture and design, and when traveling a well-designed hotel (or riad in this case) is my guilty, but necessary, pleasure. Riad de Tarabel provided a most splendid respite.
In Marrakech evenings were spent energetically exploring arts and the sights of the medina yet mornings took off on a different pace. I awoke to the morning call to prayer that blanketed all in earshot of its source, the Koutobia Mosque. At the sound of the alarm I would sleepily examine my phone to sort out the day’s itinerary. After realizing the folly of my Western conditioning to adhere myself to schedule I instead chose a simpler pace to life. I started my days meandering through the dusty pink scenery of the legendary city and then at nightfall, taking in its extraordinary art.
Photo courtesy La Mamounia.
Photo courtesy La Mamounia.