Amoako Boafo, a Ghanaian artist who has gained immense popularity in the art world, has returned to his home country where one of his self-portraits is being exhibited. Despite his success, Boafo is not fond of interviews. He never intended to become an artist and only started drawing as a hobby with his friends. Growing up, he never realized that portraiture was a form of art that artists of color could pursue. The recognition and praise he has received from renowned galleries like Larry Gagosian have been overwhelming for him.

Boafo’s journey from humble beginnings in Accra to becoming a highly sought-after artist is a true rags to riches story. His portraits of black subjects, often painted with his fingertips, now sell for seven figures at auctions. He has even had the opportunity to exhibit his work in space by adorning Jeff Bezos’s rocket ship. Boafo is part of a talented group of artists from West Africa who support and acknowledge each other’s abilities.

Born in 1984, Boafo taught himself to paint while his mother was at work. He initially showed promise as a tennis player and supported himself for a few years playing semi-professionally. It was only after someone offered to pay his tuition fees that he had the chance to attend art school. Boafo’s breakthrough came when his paintings were discovered on Instagram by Kehinde Wiley, the artist known for his portrait of former US President Barack Obama. Wiley’s support inspired Boafo to form relationships and share experiences with fellow artists and creatives.

I had the opportunity to meet Boafo at his studio in Accra, which is located in a three-story building designed by architect Sir David Adjaye. Boafo’s rapid rise in the art world has seen his paintings go from selling for £100 in Ghana to being exhibited internationally and attracting high bids. Museums and collectors have realized the lack of representation of black artists in their collections, leading to increased demand for Boafo’s work. Despite the pressure that comes with success, Boafo is grateful for the opportunity to impact the lives of others in his community through his residency program.

Boafo has contributed a self-portrait to an exhibition called “In and Out of Time” at Gallery 1957 in Accra. The painting, created with his fingertips, depicts the artist from the back with his arms raised. Boafo prefers painting over talking about his art and finds activities outside of the studio less exciting, except for playing tennis. His work has been recognized for capturing the relationship between traditional portraiture and the social media age.

Original news source: Amoako Boafo – the Ghanaian artist who has exhibited in space (BBC)

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Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Reporter Role-play
Instructions: Students pair up and take on the roles of a news reporter and Amoako Boafo. The reporter interviews Boafo about his life, career, and the recent exhibition of his work. Students should use information from the article but also improvise additional details to create a more engaging and realistic interview. Afterward, switch roles.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Create a list of statements about art and representation based on the article (e.g., “Artists of color have sufficient representation in galleries worldwide.”). Students walk around the class and poll their classmates to agree or disagree with each statement. Gather the results and have a class discussion about the differing opinions and how they relate to Amoako Boafo’s experiences.

– Sketch It
Instructions: Provide students with a list of keywords from the article (e.g., “self-portrait,” “Ghana,” “finger painting,” “tennis,” “Instagram”). Students pick a word and have a limited time to sketch a representation of it. Their peers then guess the word based on the sketch. This activity will help reinforce vocabulary and understanding of the article’s content.

– Headline Creation
Instructions: Ask students to write a compelling headline for a news article about Amoako Boafo’s life and career. Encourage them to make it catchy and reflective of the article’s content. Share the headlines and discuss which ones are the most effective and why.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Discuss the current state of Amoako Boafo’s art career and his impact on the art community. Then, have students write a short paragraph predicting where they see Boafo’s career in the next five years. Encourage them to use future tense structures and to base their predictions on the information from the article and general trends in art and society. Share and compare predictions.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What is the nationality of the artist Amoako Boafo?
2. Why is Boafo not keen on giving interviews?
3. How did Boafo start his journey in the world of art?
4. Which renowned gallery has given Boafo recognition and praise?
5. How did Boafo’s portraits gain a unique aspect in their creation process?
6. Who discovered Boafo’s paintings on Instagram and helped him gain recognition?
7. What was Boafo’s profession before he fully committed to being an artist?
8. What is the name of the exhibition in Accra where Boafo contributed a self-portrait, and how is the portrait depicted?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Amoako Boafo, a (1)______ artist who has (2)______ immense popularity in the art world, has returned to his home country where one of his self-portraits is being exhibited. Despite his success, Boafo is not fond of (3)______. He never intended to (4)______ an artist and only started drawing as a hobby with his friends. Growing up, he never realized that portraiture was a form of art that artists of color could pursue. The recognition and praise he has received from renowned galleries like Larry Gagosian have been overwhelming for him.

Boafo’s journey from humble beginnings in Accra to becoming a highly sought-after artist is a true rags to riches story. His portraits of black (5)______, often painted with his fingertips, now sell for seven figures at (6)______. He has even had the opportunity to exhibit his work in space by adorning Jeff Bezos’s rocket ship. Boafo is part of a talented group of (7)______ from West Africa who support and acknowledge each other’s abilities.

Born in 1984, Boafo taught himself to paint while his mother was at work. He initially showed promise as a tennis player and supported himself for a few (8)______ playing semi-professionally. It was only after someone offered to pay his tuition fees that he had the chance to attend art school. Boafo’s breakthrough came when his paintings were discovered on Instagram by Kehinde Wiley, the artist known for his portrait of former US President Barack Obama. Wiley’s support inspired Boafo to form relationships and share experiences with fellow artists and creatives.

I had the opportunity to meet Boafo at his studio in Accra, which is located in a three-story building designed by architect Sir David Adjaye. Boafo’s rapid rise in the art (9)______ has seen his (10)______ go from selling for £100 in (11)______ to being exhibited internationally and attracting high bids. Museums and collectors have realized the lack of representation of black artists in their collections, (12)______ to increased demand for Boafo’s work. Despite the pressure that comes with success, Boafo is grateful for the (13)______ to impact the (14)______ of others in his community through his residency program.

Boafo has (15)______ a self-portrait to an exhibition called “In and Out of Time” at Gallery 1957 in Accra. The painting, created with his fingertips, depicts the artist from the back with his arms raised. Boafo prefers painting over talking about his art and finds activities outside of the studio less exciting, except for playing tennis. His work has been recognized for capturing the (16)______ between traditional portraiture and the social media age.
Go to answers ⇩

Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your definition of a “rags to riches” story, and can you share an example you know of, either from real life or fiction?
2. How would you feel if your hobby unexpectedly turned into a successful career?
3. Do you think it’s important for artists to have formal education in art, or can talent alone be enough? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever discovered a talent you had by accident, much like Boafo discovered his passion for painting?
5. What role do you think social media plays in the discovery and promotion of artists today?
6. Do you like the idea of art being exhibited in unconventional places, such as space? Why or why not?
7. How do you think the support of a well-known figure in one’s field can impact an individual’s success?
8. Do you believe that representation of all races in art and culture is important? Why or why not?
9. How would you feel if your work suddenly received overwhelming attention and praise from renowned figures in your industry?
10. What is your opinion on artists using unusual methods, like painting with fingertips, to create their work?
11. Do you think the pressure that comes with success can change a person’s passion for their craft? Why or why not?
12. Have you ever supported or been part of a community that acknowledges and supports each other’s abilities, similar to the group of West African artists Boafo is part of?
13. Do you prefer to express yourself through creative means like painting, or do you find other forms of expression more fulfilling?
14. How important do you think it is for successful individuals to give back to their community, as Boafo does through his residency program?
15. What is your impression of the role of portraiture in today’s society, especially with the influence of social media?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. Boafo
2. artist
3. portraits
4. success
5. paintings
6. Instagram
7. studio
8. exhibition

Meanings:
(a) images of people, usually their faces
(b) works of art created by an artist
(c) a place where an artist works
(d) a display of artwork for the public to view
(e) social media platform for sharing photos
(f) someone who creates art
(g) Ghanaian artist who has gained immense popularity
(h) achievement or accomplishment
Go to answers ⇩

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. How did Amoako Boafo first start drawing?
(a) In art school
(b) Under the guidance of his mother
(c) By taking professional art classes
(d) As a hobby with friends

2. What is one reason that Boafo’s success has been overwhelming for him?
(a) He doesn’t enjoy interviews
(b) He never intended to become an artist
(c) He didn’t realize artists of color could pursue portraiture
(d) He has received recognition from renowned galleries

3. What is one unique aspect of Boafo’s painting technique?
(a) He often paints with his fingertips
(b) He uses a variety of brushes
(c) He only paints landscapes
(d) He paints with watercolors

4. How did Boafo’s breakthrough in the art world come about?
(a) He won a prestigious art competition
(b) His paintings were discovered on Instagram by Kehinde Wiley
(c) He was featured in a documentary about emerging artists
(d) He had a solo exhibition at a renowned gallery

5. What has contributed to the increased demand for Boafo’s work?
(a) His self-portraits being exhibited internationally
(b) The high bids his paintings attract at auctions
(c) The lack of representation of black artists in collections
(d) His residency program impacting the lives of others

6. What is the name of the exhibition at Gallery 1957 in Accra that features one of Boafo’s self-portraits?
(a) “Rags to Riches”
(b) “The Rise of Boafo”
(c) “In and Out of Time”
(d) “Accra’s Finest Artists”

7. What is one activity that Boafo finds less exciting outside of the studio?
(a) Playing tennis
(b) Attending art exhibitions
(c) Meeting other artists
(d) Talking about his art

8. What has Boafo’s work been recognized for capturing?
(a) The relationship between traditional portraiture and the social media age
(b) The beauty of landscapes
(c) The history of Ghana
(d) The diversity of art styles

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. Growing up, Boafo never realized that portraiture was a form of art that artists of color could pursue.
2. Amoako Boafo is a Ghanaian artist who has gained little popularity in the art world.
3. Boafo’s self-portrait is being exhibited in his home country of Ghana.
4. Boafo’s studio in Accra is located in a three-story building designed by architect Sir David Adjaye.
5. Boafo’s landscapes of black subjects, often painted with his brushes, now sell for seven figures at auctions.
6. Boafo never intended to become an artist and only started drawing as a hobby with his friends.
7. Boafo’s breakthrough came when his sculptures were discovered on Instagram by Kehinde Wiley.
8. Boafo had the opportunity to exhibit his work in space by adorning Jeff Bezos’s hot air balloon.
Go to answers ⇩

Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What was Amoako Boafo’s initial attitude toward becoming an artist, and how did he start drawing?
2. How has Amoako Boafo’s background influenced the subjects of his portraits?
3. Can you describe the significant turning point in Boafo’s career that involved social media?
4. What role has the art community played in Amoako Boafo’s success as an artist?
5. What unique technique does Boafo use in his paintings, and how is this reflected in the self-portrait exhibited at Gallery 1957?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What is the nationality of the artist Amoako Boafo?
Amoako Boafo is a Ghanaian artist.

2. Why is Boafo not keen on giving interviews?
Boafo is not keen on giving interviews because he prefers painting over talking about his art and finds activities outside of the studio less exciting.

3. How did Boafo start his journey in the world of art?
Boafo started his journey in the world of art by drawing as a hobby with his friends and later taught himself to paint while his mother was at work.

4. Which renowned gallery has given Boafo recognition and praise?
The renowned gallery that has given Boafo recognition and praise is Larry Gagosian.

5. How did Boafo’s portraits gain a unique aspect in their creation process?
Boafo’s portraits gained a unique aspect in their creation process because he often paints with his fingertips.

6. Who discovered Boafo’s paintings on Instagram and helped him gain recognition?
Kehinde Wiley, the artist known for his portrait of former US President Barack Obama, discovered Boafo’s paintings on Instagram and helped him gain recognition.

7. What was Boafo’s profession before he fully committed to being an artist?
Before he fully committed to being an artist, Boafo supported himself for a few years playing tennis semi-professionally.

8. What is the name of the exhibition in Accra where Boafo contributed a self-portrait, and how is the portrait depicted?
The name of the exhibition in Accra where Boafo contributed a self-portrait is “In and Out of Time.” The portrait is created with his fingertips and depicts the artist from the back with his arms raised.
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Ghanaian
(2) gained
(3) interviews
(4) become
(5) subjects
(6) auctions
(7) artists
(8) years
(9) world
(10) paintings
(11) Ghana
(12) leading
(13) opportunity
(14) lives
(15) contributed
(16) relationship
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. Boafo
Answer: (g) Ghanaian artist who has gained immense popularity

2. artist
Answer: (f) someone who creates art

3. portraits
Answer: (a) images of people, usually their faces

4. success
Answer: (h) achievement or accomplishment

5. paintings
Answer: (b) works of art created by an artist

6. Instagram
Answer: (e) social media platform for sharing photos

7. studio
Answer: (c) a place where an artist works

8. exhibition
Answer: (d) a display of artwork for the public to view
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. How did Amoako Boafo first start drawing?
Answer: (d) As a hobby with friends

2. What is one reason that Boafo’s success has been overwhelming for him?
Answer: (b) He never intended to become an artist

3. What is one unique aspect of Boafo’s painting technique?
Answer: (a) He often paints with his fingertips

4. How did Boafo’s breakthrough in the art world come about?
Answer: (b) His paintings were discovered on Instagram by Kehinde Wiley

5. What has contributed to the increased demand for Boafo’s work?
Answer: (c) The lack of representation of black artists in collections

6. What is the name of the exhibition at Gallery 1957 in Accra that features one of Boafo’s self-portraits?
Answer: (c) “In and Out of Time”

7. What is one activity that Boafo finds less exciting outside of the studio?
Answer: (d) Talking about his art

8. What has Boafo’s work been recognized for capturing?
Answer: (a) The relationship between traditional portraiture and the social media age
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. Growing up, Boafo never realized that portraiture was a form of art that artists of color could pursue. (Answer: True)
2. Amoako Boafo is a Ghanaian artist who has gained little popularity in the art world. (Answer: False)
3. Boafo’s self-portrait is being exhibited in his home country of Ghana. (Answer: True)
4. Boafo’s studio in Accra is located in a three-story building designed by architect Sir David Adjaye. (Answer: True)
5. Boafo’s landscapes of black subjects, often painted with his brushes, now sell for seven figures at auctions. (Answer: False)
6. Boafo never intended to become an artist and only started drawing as a hobby with his friends. (Answer: True)
7. Boafo’s breakthrough came when his sculptures were discovered on Instagram by Kehinde Wiley. (Answer: False)
8. Boafo had the opportunity to exhibit his work in space by adorning Jeff Bezos’s hot air balloon. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧