In the heart of London, the Gagosian Gallery on Grosvenor Hill pulsates with Amoako Boafo’s debut exhibition in the United Kingdom. As a Ghanaian artist celebrated for his vibrant and introspective portraits, the exhibition, “I Do Not Come to You by Chance” is a powerful exploration of Black identity, community, and self-determination, intricately weaving Boafo’s personal narrative with the rich cultural tapestry of Ghana. This poignant and celebratory exhibition, titled after Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani’s 2009 novel, is well-suited for such milestone moment in Boafo’s career.
Running from April 10 to May 24, 2025, the exhibition is a symphony of art, architecture, and personal narrative, harmonized through Boafo’s collaboration with architect and designer Glenn DeRoche. As Boafo himself notes, “I make paintings that allow me to celebrate where I come from and what I aspire to be, while sharing unique perspectives and understanding.” This intention resonates throughout the exhibition, where the duo’s thoughtful re-creation of the sun-drenched courtyard from Boafo’s Ghanaian childhood home ushers visitors into a world of warmth and familiarity. Rendered with meticulous attention to detail, the space pays homage to the communal environments that shaped Boafo’s artistic spirit, inviting viewers to experience his work on an intimately human level.
Throughout the exhibition, Amoako Boafo masterfully interweaves his family’s story and local Ghanaian history, layering autobiographical contexts that add profound depth and complexity to his paintings. Every detail feels deliberate and meaningful, from the symbolic Adinkra motif, to the recurring themes of relaxation and play that infuse his work with warmth and humanity.
The monumental “Self-Portrait with Cacti” (2024), his largest self-portrait to date, is a breathtaking work that commands attention. Measuring over four meters in length, this stunning piece presents the artist lounging serenely in bed, surrounded by lush greenery and radiating tranquility. A sense of ease and leisure is further underscored by the exquisite details in “Black Cycle” (2025), where he is portrayed riding a bike. Additionally, in this work, the patterns on Boafo’s clothing echo the vibrant wallpaper at the exhibition’s entrance, blurring the lines between art and environment.
The exhibition culminates in a groundbreaking work: Boafo’s first double-sided freestanding painting, a breathtaking reimagining of the Adinkra motif “nkyinkyim”— two life-size female figures incorporated into a screen within a sculptural wood enclosure, and representing the concept of “twisting.” This innovative masterpiece not only showcases Boafo’s exceptional skill but also serves as a powerful tribute to the unyielding resilience of his Black figures. By inviting viewers to contemplate the intricate beauty and complexity of the African diasporic experience, Boafo’s work inspires a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultures that shape us.
“I Do Not Come to You by Chance” is poised to be to be an exhibition that leaves an indelible mark on the soul, and Amoako Boafo’s paintings are a testament to the transformative power of community and self-determination with an underlying universal resonance. As you step into his world, confines dissolve, and a profound connection unfolds because with each brushstroke, Boafo breathes life into the beauty and resilience of his subjects.
For more information, or to inquire about the exhibition, kindly visit the website.
