Amoako Boafo, the Ghanaian artist known for his finger-painted portraits of stylish Black sitters, opened his first solo show in Italy at the Museo di Palazzo Grimani in Venice during the 61st Venice Biennale. Titled "It doesn’t have to always make sense" and produced by Gagosian, the exhibition runs through November 22 and features Boafo's paintings alongside works by friends and collaborators, including poems by Raphael Worlasi Langani and a sculpture made with Stephen Allotey. The show also includes a video documenting Boafo's life and a "heroine wall" of portraits honoring women he admires, such as curator Koyo Kouoh.
The exhibition matters because it marks a significant moment for Boafo, who sees it as a "full-circle" experience after visiting Venice as a student. By engaging with the Renaissance-era Palazzo Grimani's rich art historical legacy, Boafo demonstrates how contemporary African artists can enter into a dialogue with European art history rather than simply being outsiders. The show also highlights Boafo's emphasis on community and collaboration, reflecting his broader practice of creating immersive, personal exhibitions that connect visual art with poetry and sculpture.