In late 2020, I shared a piece by Amoako Boafo that really caught my attention. His portrait Teju became part of my collection around that time, and since then, his work has stayed with me in more ways than one.

Over the last few years, I’ve added several more of his pieces. Each one brings something different. There’s a presence in his work that you can feel when you walk past it. He paints with his fingers, which gives the surface this physical, textured quality. It feels direct and human.

Teju has been on loan in Brussels since last fall for a museum exhibition. She won’t be back until late next summer. It’s good that more people are getting to see it. I still find myself looking at photos of the piece from time to time.

Another favorite is Pink Pants, which hangs near the Executive Seating area at Clayco HQ. It’s got real presence. The color hits you right away, but the whole piece has a grounded feel. Earring (Red) is quieter. It’s a lithograph, and it pulls you in slower. White & Three Shades of Yellow has a brightness and weight to it that always pulls the eye. And earlier this year, Floral Coat Lining spent time at the Seattle Art Museum. That seemed like the right place for it.

I had the opportunity to catch up with Amoako recently in Paris. It was a good moment of coming together with others. His portraits carry weight. They stay with you. So does he. That’s the kind of art I want to live with.