Image credit: Renata Martinez
At Somerset House, the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair returns for its 12th edition, transforming this iconic neoclassical building into a vibrant hub of contemporary African creativity. The fair features over 60 galleries and the works of more than 160 artists from the continent and its diaspora, coinciding with Frieze London and offering an unparalleled celebration of African art.
As I attended the VIP day, I had the privilege of exploring the diverse and high-quality selection of artwork on display. At The Nomad Salon, we're particularly excited to highlight five women artists whose work stands out—each presenting captivating pieces priced under £10,000. These emerging talents offer collectors an opportunity to acquire meaningful, affordable art while supporting the next generation of women artists. Whether you're visiting in person or keeping up with the highlights from afar, these are the artists that caught my eye and should be on your radar.
If you're looking to discover fresh perspectives and add to your collection, these talented women's work, spanning mediums from painting to sculpture, embodies the essence of African identity and contemporary life, all while providing an accessible entry point for new and seasoned collectors alike.
The Public and VIP Opening of the 1-54 Art Fair will take place at Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA, United Kingdom, from Friday, 11 October (11:00 – 19:00), Saturday, 12 October (11:00 – 19:00), to Sunday, 13 October (11:00 – 18:00).
The Nomad Salon does not use affiliate links or earn commissions from this article; we have no financial gain from any purchases made through the featured artists or galleries.
1) Silvana Mendes (b. 199, Brazil)
Image credit: Renata Martinez
Silvana Mendes explores identity and historical revisionism within Brazilian history, focusing on overlooked narratives of Blackness. Through subtle alterations of archival photographs, she reconstructs them into speculative stories that challenge dominant representations. Mendes' art sparks conversations about historical reparation and social transformation, infusing her work with affection and a deep connection to the communities she honours. Her pieces invite viewers to engage with a collective memory that reimagines history, fostering dialogue around how the past is told and reshaped.
View Art Available Here
Silvana Mendes, "Untitled" (2024). Digital collage printed on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag paper, 60 × 48 cm. Editions 2-3AP of 5 + 3AP. Image courtesy of Portas Vilaseca Galeria.
2) Princia Matungulu (b. 1999, Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Image credit: Renata Martinez
Drawing from stories, rituals, and traditions passed down through her mother, Princia Matungulu's work merges weaving, sculpture, and storytelling to explore themes of identity, womanhood, and Congolese culture. Weaving, for Matungulu, is more than a craft—it’s a way to connect with her heritage and reflect on the experiences of women within the African diaspora.
Recently, she has focused on preserving Congolese folktales, which are increasingly disappearing due to the influence of Western media. By incorporating these stories into her art, she not only revives them but also critiques the forces that threaten their survival. Her work creates a powerful dialogue between tradition and modernity, encouraging viewers to reflect on the importance of cultural preservation in an increasingly globalised world.
Instagram: @princia.matungulu.art
View Art Available Here
Princia Matungulu, "Kama manioca (Like Manioca)" (2024). African wax print, polyester, glue and thread, 67 × 61 cm. Image courtesy of Guns & Rain.
3) Rugiyatou Ylva Jallow (b. 1990, Sweden)
Image credit: Renata Martinez
Los Angeles-based artist of Swedish and Gambian heritage, Rugiyatou Jallow, draws inspiration from her matrilineal lineage to create mixed media paintings. Her work features strong female characters and reflects her experience navigating multiple identities. Using thread, oil, and acrylic, Jallow incorporates threads to symbolise familial bloodlines, connecting her subjects to their heritage. Her art explores themes of ancestry, the underrepresentation of women like herself in art history, and the symbolic importance of hands as a connection to female ancestors.
Instagram: @rugiyatou
View Art Available Here
Rugiyatou Ylva Jallow, "The Drum" (2024). Acrylic, oil, and thread on canvas, 76.2 × 61 cm. Image courtesy of Albertz Benda.
4) Reinata Sadimba (b. 1945, Mozambique)
Reinata Sadimba, "Artist Inspiration" (2022). Clay and Graphite, 37 × 23 × 18 cm. Image courtesy of Arte de Gema.
Reinata Sadimba is a trailblazing artist who defied the male-dominated tradition of sculpting in her culture, becoming one of Africa’s most influential artists. Her terracotta sculptures reflect the Makonde matrilineal world and challenge societal norms, blending personal experiences with her people’s struggles. Through her art, she advocates for gender equality and cultural preservation, fusing tradition with contemporary expression to create a lasting impact.
View Art Available Here
Reinata Sadimba, "Untitled" (ca. 2000). Ceramic sculpture, 47 × 28 × 26 cm. Image courtesy of Glenda Cinquegrana Art Consulting.
5) Layo Bright (b. 1991, Nigeria)
Layo Bright, "Bloom in Canary Yellow & Black" (2024). Kiln formed glass, mirrored glass, 23k gold leaf on acrylic, 29.21 x 22.86 x 7.62 cm. Courtesy of Superposition Gallery.
Layo Bright's sculptural practice examines how materials influence perception, culture, and politics. Through hybrid portraits and mixed media, Bright explores themes of migration, inheritance, and identity, drawing on natural forms and ancestral memory. Using materials like glass, clay, wood, and textiles, Bright reflects on the fragile, complex connections between people and their environments. His work with plastic chequered bags, associated with migrants, combined with crushed glass, addresses the inevitability of migration and loss in today’s global climate. By merging diverse materials, Bright critically engages with suppressed histories and inequitable class structures.
View Art Available Here
Layo Bright, "Shuku # 2" (2024). Moldblown glass, hair spray, 50.8 × 25.4 × 25.4 cm. Image courtesy of Halsey McKay Gallery.
About the Author:
I’m Renata, originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, and now based in London, where I’m pursuing a Master’s in Arts Administration. I’ve always had a creative background and a strong passion for art, which has shaped my professional path. I’ve worked on managing artist residencies, organising exhibitions, and collaborating with galleries and museums around the world. With my experience in design and art management, I focus on developing thoughtful policies that help artists thrive and bring creativity into new spaces. I’m committed to building meaningful connections between artistic communities and nurturing creative growth across different cultures.