BALOJI’S AUGURE: Infinite Trolling Takes Center Stage at 1-54 London 2024
by Michelle Oluchi Oct 10, 2024
The 2024 edition of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London is set to be a landmark event, bringing together more than 60 galleries and over 170 artists. As the first and only international art fair dedicated to contemporary African art and its diaspora, 1-54 serves as a key platform to showcase the rich diversity of African creativity on a global stage. With annual editions in London, New York, and Marrakech, and a pop-up in Paris, the fair draws its name from the 54 countries that make up the African continent, celebrating the continent’s cultural and artistic diversity. This year’s edition promises to be the largest yet, and among the most anticipated exhibitions is AUGURE: Infinite Trolling, an installation by renowned Congolese-Belgian artist, Baloji. Known for his boundary-pushing work that fuses elements of music, film, and visual arts, Baloji is no stranger to blending different forms of creative expression. His participation in 1-54 adds an exciting layer to the event, as he continues to captivate audiences with his imaginative storytelling and deep-rooted reflections on African identity.
The Artist: Baloji
Baloji, born in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, and raised in Belgium, has built a career that spans multiple mediums. His artistic journey began in music, where he gained recognition as a rapper and hip-hop artist under the name MC Balo. Over the years, he transitioned into visual arts and filmmaking, broadening his repertoire to include thought-provoking installations. His 2008 album, Hotel Impala, was a turning point, conceived as a response to a letter from his mother after 25 years of separation. Baloji’s work is deeply intertwined with his dual heritage. He draws heavily on the cultural richness of Congo while also confronting the complexities of growing up in Belgium. This fusion is evident in his visual arts, where he combines traditional African aesthetics with contemporary European influences, challenging both political and personal narratives. His works often explore themes of displacement, belonging, and the contradictions of post-colonial identity. With this installation, Baloji delves into the ways digital platforms shape our interactions and perceptions, particularly the repetitive nature of scrolling. Drawing from his unique multicultural background and extensive artistic journey, the installation visually strikingly and thought-provokingly explores the emotional and mental fatigue brought on by constant exposure to content. This event also marks an exciting collaboration with the Almas Art Foundation and the Defise Foundation, further emphasizing Baloji’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries. The installation comes on the heels of his upcoming project, AUGURE (OMEN), set to debut this october 2024.
The 2024 edition of 1-54 in London is shaping up to be a milestone event, not only for its record number of participating galleries and artists but also for its impressive line-up of special projects and discussions. Over the years, 1-54 has established itself as a critical platform for the global appreciation of contemporary African art. It has become a space where artists from across the African continent and the diaspora can share their stories, challenge perceptions, and inspire new conversations about the role of African art in the world today. Visitors to 1-54 can expect an immersive experience, with a variety of works ranging from paintings and sculptures to installations and digital art. With over 60 galleries and more than 170 artists on display, this edition will offer the opportunity to witness the creativity and innovation coming out of Africa and its diaspora.
