Artist Amoako Boafo leans on a melange of techniques to present a powerful, humanistic narrative in his new solo show at Mariane Ibrahim.
“Green Beret” (2020)
Inspired by Black emerging designers and creators, painter Amoako Boafo premieres I Stand by Me, his first solo exhibition at Mariane Ibrahim, on view through Oct. 24. In the series of compelling portraiture, Boafo characterizes his subjects in a naturalistic-meets-impressionistic manner.
“Camouflage Hat” (2020) by Amoako Boafo
The subjects are displayed on minimalist backgrounds, with faces, hands and flesh painted with Boafo’s own fingers, providing a luminous depth and bringing an electric energy to the canvas. “I’ve explored many technical and figurative expressions of skin tone and movement, realizing my process is best embellished when I paint with my fingers,” he says. “The lack of instrument allows the contour of the works to be confined, yet the skin tone remains expressive.”
“Nerida Cocamaro” (2019)
Boafo’s portraits are nearly free from distraction, pulling viewers in and allowing them a study into the subject’s posture, facial expression and body language. It is as if the anonymous faces have come to be friend, neighbor or loved one as you stare into the layers of emotion the artist has managed to bring to life in his works. 437 N. Paulina St.
The artist, who is based in both Accra, Ghana, and Vienna
Photography by: Courtesy of Mariane Ibrahim
