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The Arts Intel Report

A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler

Amoako Boafo: Soul of Black Folks

Amoako Boafo, Monstera Leaf Cape, 2020.

May 27 – Oct 2, 2022
5216 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006

“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,” explains Amoako Boafo. “The lack of instrument allows the contour of the works to be confined, yet the skin tone remains expressive.” The figures Boafo paints stand proud against monochrome backgrounds, their skin executed in finger-painted swirls of blue, brown, peach, cream, gold, and pink oil paint—a reverberating, expressionist energy. Boafo is inspired by rising Black designers and creatives, and the majestic, sculptural quality of those he depicts is symbolic of Black identity. This is his first museum exhibition. —Elena Clavarino

Photo courtesy the artist