Tate Acquires Amoako Boafo's 'Blank Stare' at 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in Marrakech

Amoako Boafo's painting Blank Stare (2021), an oil on paper work measuring 100 x 70 cm, was acquired by the Tate during the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in Marrakech. The work was selected during the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in Marrakech by Gregor Muir, Director of Tate’s Collection, and Osei Bonsu, Curator of International Art, as part of the Tate’s Africa Acquisitions Committee Catalyst Fund, supported by 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, the artist, and the representing gallery, Gallery 1957.

Amoako Boafo, Blank stare, 2021, Oil on paper, 100 x 70 cm

Boafo is celebrated for his innovative approach to portraiture, elevating Black figures within the genre through his expressive use of color and texture. His ability to create intimate yet powerful connections between subject and viewer transforms traditional notions of portraiture.

Boafo crafts his captivating characters through painting, embedding Black figures firmly within the storied tradition of portraiture. His refined artworks celebrate his subjects, encapsulating their self-assurance, elegance, and unique personalities. Recognized as a prominent emerging voice in the art of the African Diaspora, Boafo redefines the portrayal of Black forms and their positioning within a broader global framework through innovative techniques.

His portraits are striking in their clarity; bold, expressive brushstrokes create almost abstract contours that soften the edges of the body while accentuating its presence. These figures often stand alone against monochromatic backgrounds, their gaze commanding attention and challenging conventional modes of observation.

In Blank Stare, Boafo demonstrates his mastery in capturing the inner life of his subjects, using bold brushstrokes and textured surfaces to convey both vulnerability and poise. This piece not only reflects Boafo's artistic skill but also contributes to a broader dialogue about Black identity in contemporary art.