Amoako Boafo
Amoako Boafo studied painting in Accra and later in Vienna, two cities that became central to the development of his art. Having experienced marginalization in Austria because of his skin color, Boafo decided to focus on portraits of Black subjects, who remain underrepresented in international contemporary art. His intimate portraits are now considered some of the most significant representations of Africa and the African diaspora in contemporary art. Boafo draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, from the spontaneity of children’s drawings to the decorative elegance of Viennese Secession artists such as Egon Schiele, whose impact is clearly visible in today's painting. In Laced Fingers, Boafo creates an image that is both deeply modern and historically aware, establishing himself as one of the most original contemporary figurative painters.
Boafo doesn't use a paintbrush; he applies paint directly with his fingers, creating amazing textured surfaces. He has described the process as instinctive and organic, allowing him to create forms that feel sculptural and alive. The figure stands against an empty background, looking directly toward the viewer. With loosely folded hands and a calm, self-contained posture, the subject resists traditional expectations of portraiture. Instead of performing for the viewer, they seem to exist entirely on their own terms.
Amoako Boafo is currently the highest-selling African artist. In 2021, his work Hands Up was auctioned for a record sum of approximately €3,100,000 at Christie’s in Hong Kong.
Laced Fingers is currently on view as part of the TOP CHARITY Art pre-auction exhibition, taking place in the Orangery of the Museum of King Jan III’s Palace at Wilanów in Warsaw. The exhibition is open to the public free of charge until June 16.
TOP CHARITY Art is an artistic event and the heart of a philanthropic initiative that has raised nearly 40 million USD for social causes over the past five years. These funds provide tangible support for implementing charitable projects in Poland and around the world, as well as for activities related to the protection and revitalization of Poland’s cultural heritage. Recently, the initiative received four awards at the prestigious Eventex Awards 2026, known as "Oscars" of the event world. This achievement confirmed the project's position as an innovative philanthropic model that successfully combines business, art, and social impact on the international stage.