Amoako Boafo
Amoako Boafo was named as one of Time Magazine's 100 emerging leaders of 2021, a part of their annual TIME Next 100. Of the 2021 list, editorial director of the TIME100 Dan Macsai says: "Everyone on this list is poised to make history. And in fact, many already have."
While working on a recent lithography project in collaboration with Mariane Ibrahim and IDEM Paris, renowned artist Amoako Boafo can be seen wearing ALMASIKA’s 18k gold Berceau Hoop Earrings.
ALMASIKA’s Berceau collection pays homage to the natural curves of the human form, inspired by what is believed to be the cradle of humanity, the Great Rift Valley. Boafo’s artwork, likewise, draws attention to the human figure. Within his artwork, the contours of the body notably almost soften into abstraction.
Courtesy Mariane Ibrahim.
Boafo was born in Accra, Ghana, and is now based in Vienna, Austria. His portrait paintings are characterized by their thick and gestural brushstrokes, which are often made using Boafo’s own fingers.
Gallerist Mariane Ibrahim describes Boafo’s style and inspiration as follows:
“Much of his work is inspired by his upbringing, commenting on how males are raised to be aggressive and masculine, which he challenges in his works. Although the artist’s underlying messages are quite intense, there is a certain softness to the works as a whole, the poses are serene and the skin luminous.
And with regards to this first lithograph by Boafo, in particular, Ibrahim penned the following:
“We are delighted to announce Mariane Ibrahim Editions, the gallery’s timed offerings of special edition artworks.
To inaugurate, we are pleased to unveil the first edition with artist Amoako Boafo, created in partnership with the Parisian printing house, Idem Paris. The legendary print house uses traditional lithographic techniques, facilitating bespoke pieces by renowned artists.
Entitled ‘Limestone’, a reference to the color of the stone, the laborious print process allowed Boafo to elaborate on structures of his compositions through a new medium. ‘Limestone’ is an original lithograph on paper, (18 1/4 x 14 in), edition of 40 on BFK Rives paper (made in France in Arches paper mill created in 1492), signed and numbered by the artist.
Courtesy Mariane Ibrahim.
The fluid strokes made with his fingers mimicking the flesh of his subjects are beautifully translated onto the lithograph. His signature photo transfer of vibrant European wallpapers adorning textiles and backgrounds often seen in his newer paintings will be unveiled in future editions.
Boafo’s work is widely collected by private and public collectors and institutions, most recently by the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Blenheim Art Foundation, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, CCS Bard College Hessel Museum of Art, The Albertina Museum Vienna, and the Rubell Museum.”
To learn more about Amoako Boafo and his collaboration with Mariane Ibrahim and IDEM Paris, you can visit https://marianeibrahim.com/editions.