I Have Been Here Before

 

Recognized as one of the most influential Black contemporary artists today, Boafo has built a strikingly original portraiture style rooted in personal experience and art historical influence. The exhibition offers a comprehensive view of his artistic journey, seeking to go beyond surface-level depictions of Black identity and instead record, celebrate, and deeply explore the lived experiences and layered identities shaped by historical context.

This exhibition consists of four thematic sections, culminating in an architectural installation, Nsaa Pavilion, inspired by the courtyard of a traditional Korean hanok. Co-designed by DeRoche Projects, an architectural practice led by Glenn DeRoche, and the artist, this space acts as a point of intersection between Boafo’s visual language and Korea’s cultural heritage — a site where differing experiences, emotions, and perspectives come into dialogue. 

 

We are deeply grateful to the Wooyang Art Museum team and the lenders whose commitment and collaboration made this exhibition possible. With special thanks to Jackie Hyejung Son, Didier Chaillou, Nina Gyasi and the Amoako Studio Team, Glenn DeRoche and Marisol Rodriguez for their incredible contributions.