Amoako Boafo: Celebrating Black Identity Through Art in London

Amoako Boafo, a Ghanaian painter, launches his first London show, “I Do Not Come to You by Chance,” showcasing his distinctive figurative art celebrating Black identity. Discovered by Kehinde Wiley, Boafo’s career has quickly flourished, leading to record sales and prominent collaborations. He aims to pause commercial work to focus on projects like a tennis academy while fostering community through his dot.ateliers initiative.

Amoako Boafo, a prominent Ghanaian painter, is excited to unveil his first London exhibition, “I Do Not Come to You by Chance,” at Gagosian. This show highlights his latest figurative works of Black men and women, using his signature fingertip-painting style and vibrant colours. The gallery features unique wallpapers and a replica of the courtyard from his childhood home in Accra, symbolising his roots.

Boafo’s artistic journey accelerated after American artist Kehinde Wiley discovered him on Instagram in 2018. Since then, his progression has included a record-setting sale for “Hands Up” at Christie’s, a residency at the Rubell Museum in Miami, and collaborations with Dior. His works even reached space through Blue Origin.

Raised in Accra after losing his father, Boafo’s passion for art began in childhood, though financial struggles delayed his formal education. Eventually, he enrolled in Ghanatta College of Art and Design and later moved to Vienna, where he refined his artistic voice, confronting traditional Eurocentric art practices and asserting a new narrative.

Boafo aims to promote Black figuration in art, with his subjects often being friends and family. He intends to pause commercial painting to explore projects in architecture and tennis, starting a tennis academy to help youth. His new self-portraits serve as reminders to take breaks and nurture himself amidst his busy art career.

With his work showcased in major museums worldwide, Boafo enjoys local celebrity status in Accra, where he engages meaningfully with his community through his dot.ateliers initiative, promoting creativity and experimentation. Collaboration remains vital to his process, as seen in his partnership with architect Glenn DeRoche, creating a community-focused installation for the London exhibition.

Despite shifting focus, Boafo maintains a commitment to painting for personal fulfilment. His upcoming show at Gagosian runs from April 10 to May 24, 2025.

Amoako Boafo’s exhibition in London represents not just his artistic achievements but also his commitment to his heritage and community. His journey from Accra to international acclaim illustrates the power of art to evolve and uplift. With future plans extending beyond painting, Boafo exemplifies a dynamic artist engaged in both personal and communal growth.

Original Source: www.cnn.com