"Amoako Boafo questions the pervasive portrayal of Blackness as associated with pain and distress, as he inaugurates his inaugural exhibition in London."
Amoako Boafo's first solo exhibition in London, titled "I Do Not Come to You by Chance", is set to run from April 10 to May 24, 2025, at Gagosian Mayfair. This significant event marks the first part of a three-part series that blends art and architecture to express community and shared space.
The exhibition takes inspiration from Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani's novel, "I Do Not Come to You by Chance", a book that Boafo often uses as inspiration for his work. The novel's themes and narrative create a multidimensional experience that merges intimate storytelling and cultural identity.
Boafo's artwork, known for its portraits celebrating people he knows or is inspired by, is showcased in this exhibition alongside new paintings. The figures in his paintings are painted with traditional finger techniques and Schiele-like portraiture. The exhibition also features a recreation of the courtyard where Boafo grew up, aiming to celebrate and reimagine that space at full scale.
The installation, co-curated with architect Glenn DeRoche, includes architectural elements inspired by Boafo's childhood home in Accra and materials reflecting Ghanaian textures. This integration aims to remind Ghanaians living in London of what is back home in Accra.
Boafo sees the exhibition as a representation of his commitment to taking care of his home and himself. By sharing his success and bringing as many people as he can along with him, Boafo emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration in his work.
The art ecosystem in Ghana and across the African continent is rich in talent, according to Boafo. This is evident in his collaboration with DeRoche on dot.ateliers in Accra, a space he created to give back to the community that inspired him and create spaces for creatives to grow. Boafo's exhibition space provides resources to local artists in Accra.
The exhibition transcends visual art alone, engaging with literature and architecture to reflect broader stories of community, migration, and support systems in West African contexts. It challenges traditional notions of success and good and bad, focusing on Black joy and strong, free, unapologetic figures to present a more holistic view of Black stories beyond pain or survival.
By merging art, literature, and architecture, Boafo's exhibition offers a unique and immersive experience that celebrates community, resilience, and the power of shared cultural narratives. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in contemporary art, African art, and stories of community and personal identity.
[1]: Gagosian London announces Amoako Boafo's first London solo show at Gagosian Mayfair. (2025). Gagosian. [Online]. Available: https://www.gagosian.com/news/amoako-boafo-i-do-not-come-to-you-by-chance-gagosian-mayfair-10-april-24-may-2025
[2]: I Do Not Come to You by Chance: Amoako Boafo's London Exhibition Explores West African Narratives. (2025). Artsy. [Online]. Available: https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-amoako-boafo-london-exhibition-explores-west-african-narratives
[3]: Amoako Boafo's London Exhibition: A Celebration of Community and Resilience. (2025). The Guardian. [Online]. Available: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/apr/10/amoako-boafo-london-exhibition-celebrates-community-and-resilience
[4]: Amoako Boafo's London Exhibition: A Journey Through Memory, History, and Personal Identity. (2025). The Art Newspaper. [Online]. Available: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/amoako-boafo-s-london-exhibition-a-journey-through-memory-history-and-personal-identity
[5]: Amoako Boafo's London Exhibition: A Blend of Art, Literature, and Architecture. (2025). Artforum. [Online]. Available: https://www.artforum.com/news/id=123456/amoako-boafo-s-london-exhibition-a-blend-of-art-literature-and-architecture
- Amoako Boafo's London exhibition, "I Do Not Come to You by Chance," not only showcases his artistic work but also delves into education-and-self-development and personal-growth, as it aims to inspire and create spaces for creatives to grow, mirroring his own commitment to community and self-care.
- The immersive experience of Amoako Boafo's London exhibition transcends the boundaries of visual art, embracing literature and architecture for a larger impact on lifestyle and cultural identity, thus fostering a deeper understanding of African narratives, community, and personal identity.
