The Beauty of the Monstera Sleeves

I look up in awe as the hum of the crowd thrums in my ears. The yellows of the background are bright. The skin of the subject is a swirling mass of browns and blues, the colors as deep as the sea. The red petals of the flower are striking; the monstera-patterned sleeves are soothing–this is a fine contrast.

 

I am staring up at Amoako Boafo's Monstera Leaf Sleeves. In numbers, it is defined as a 82.68 x 70.87 in. oil painting. But it is more than that. Like gazing upon the deep blue sky, or a sprawling redwood forest, the painting envelopes the reader in its depth. It is awe-inspiring, beautiful, and unbelievably stirring.

 

This painting, as you've undoubtedly guessed, is a favorite of mine. I first happened upon his work while scrolling through Pinterest, my go-to website for inspiration. Soon, the page was flooded with the swirling browns and blues of the skin of Black people, my people. The prolific nature of his art exemplifies how far it reaches others through the Internet and beyond!

 

Born in Accra, Ghana in 1984, Amoako Boafo taught himself art, which resulted in his eventual attendance to the Ghanatta College of Art and Design. He graduated in 2008 and has gone on to accrue many achievements that have bolstered him into contemporary stardom.

 

One of many firsts for Boafo includes his relocation to Vienna where he partnered with Sunanda Mesquita (artist and art curator) to form WE DEY. This organization focuses on making art accessible to marginalized Black and LGBTQ+ youth.

 

Another first for Boafo includes his collaboration with Kim Jones, a prolific designer for Dior. In the collaboration, all-Black models were used and Boafo's work was used as inspiration. His work was also the backdrop for the collaboration, cementing the young artist in the contemporary art world.

 

Boafo has also given back to his local community in Ghana by creating dot.ateliers. According to the site's about page, the organization is about building space for creatives and spreading "creativity, collaboration, and exploration." And as recently as this year, dot.ateliers released a catalog titled some things just don't wash off. I highly recommend that you give it a look!

 

Ultimately, Boafo is creating a legacy that will carry on. His work is visually stunning and striking, while his philanthropic endeavors are bearing sweet, delicious fruit.

 

His work inspired me to delve deeper into my art, and I hope it will do the same for you