West, London
Amoako Boafo
I Do Not Come to You by Chance
GagosianGagosian is pleased to present I Do Not Come to You by Chance, an exhibition of new work by Amoako Boafo. Titled after Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani's 2009 novel, it marks the artist's debut at Gagosian London and his first solo presentation in the United Kingdom. The exhibition incorporates paintings into a transformative and involving design conceived by the artist in collaboration with architect and designer Glenn DeRoche of DeRoche Projects—who previously worked with Boafo on dot.ateliers | Ogbojo, the writers' and curators' residency program he established in Ogbojo, Ghana, in 2024—and extends his exploration of space and community. Boafo's portraits celebrate the Black figure in a spirit of authenticity and joy, countering the flawed narrative of stereotypes through images that elevate their subjects. Focused on Black identity, his paintings prompt a reexamination of the Western understanding of contemporary Africa and the African diaspora, exploring intimacy, community, and self-determination. Boafo paints the faces and bodies of his subjects with his fingertips, the directness of his touch enhancing their expressive qualities and allowing them to return the viewer's gaze with charismatic presence. His self-portraits confront the observer with expressions of vulnerability and creativity that challenge traditional narratives of masculinity. —Amoako Boafo Amoako Boafo (b. Accra, Ghana) is known for his distinctive style of expressive portraiture. His works celebrate Black identity and seek to broaden the narrative surrounding Black experiences.