Amoako Boafo, Phase V - GOLD EARRING, 2024. Courtesy of the artist and Mariane Ibrahim
AMOAKO BOAFO'S PORTRAITS LOOK BENEATH THE SURFACE
Featuring Amoako Boafo on the cover, the latest issue of Cero Magazine, include a fascinating article that explores Boafo's artistic journey and technique.
"Boafo, a forty-year-old Ghanaian painter, displays a sincere commitment to his own explorations of representation, despite growing critiques of the genre of Black figuration. But while many of those critiques may hold true when considering the entrenched racial politics of the art market, Boafo’s individual meditations on the indescribable essence of personhood present an undeniable defense of the value of representational images.
Creating works in his distinct way, he creates pieces that he describes as going “beyond mere replication, offering viewers a glimpse into a world,” a world in which certain additions to and subtractions from reality are articulated in bold patterns, white space, hyperreal textures, and the subtleties of expression. For Boafo, it is essential to invite viewers’ personal interpretations and connection into each artwork. “By keeping subjects unnamed, I not only safeguard their privacy but also invite viewers to explore the artwork without preconceived notions, fostering a more uninhibited and intimate engagement with the piece." he shares."
Excerpted words written by Jabrea Patterson-West for Cero Magazine.
