"Amoako Boafo queries why Blackness is consistently associated with anguish and distress as he debuts his first exhibition in London"
Amoako Boafo, the celebrated Ghanaian artist, is bringing his vibrant and expressive portraits to London with his first solo exhibition, titled 'I Do Not Come to You by Chance'. The show, running from April 10-May 24, 2025, at Gagosian London, showcases new paintings that push beyond the canvas, offering unique ways of exhibiting Boafo's works.
Boafo, who trained at the Ghanatta College of Art and Design in Accra and the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, is renowned for his portraits celebrating people he knows or is inspired by. His work combines traditional finger painting techniques with transfer and a Schiele-like eye for portraiture, resulting in a unique style that celebrates Black joy.
The exhibition's title is derived from the novel 'I Do Not Come to You by Chance' by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani, suggesting a possible literary reference or dialogue. Boafo's works have titles and exhibitions with narrative or thematic undertones, indicating that his art might engage with literary themes of fate, identity, and social conditions.
The installation in the exhibition recreates a courtyard where Boafo first learned to paint, aiming to remind Ghanaians living in London of their roots. This immersive element adds a personal touch to the exhibition, making it a celebration of Boafo's home city of Accra, Ghana, and the artistic community that supported his rise.
Boafo collaborates with Glenn DeRoche on the new show, following their previous collaboration on dot.ateliers in Accra, Ghana. Boafo believes in giving back to the community that supports and inspires his work, which led to the creation of spaces for creatives to grow, such as dot.ateliers.
The new exhibition includes autobiographical elements, such as references to Boafo's upbringing and friends in Accra. Boafo's main goal in his paintings is to celebrate Blackness, focusing on strong, free, and unapologetic figures. The show also features some of Boafo's largest paintings to date, showcasing his techniques, textures, and wood grain.
The exhibition, I Do Not Come to You by Chance, sees Boafo exploring his family history and creative life. It is a testament to Boafo's artistic journey and his commitment to celebrating Black joy, identity, and community. Don't miss this exciting showcase of Boafo's work at Gagosian London.
Boafo's artistic journey is not merely about painting but also about personal growth and self-development, as evidenced by the autobiographical elements in his works. By sharing his upbringing and connections in Accra, Boafo encourages audiences to reflect on their own stories and experiences, fostering education-and-self-development through a unique lens of personal-growth.
