Not even a global pandemic was going to stop Ghanaian artist, Amoako Boafo’s star from shining in 2020.
The successful painter had another major break when French house partnered with him for their Spring/Summer menswear collection which debuted this week despite delays over COVID-19 and relating protocols.
The collection which is on the lips of most people for the SS20/21 menswear season was dreamt by Dior’s menswear director, Kim Jones and Amoafo.
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“I wanted to work with an African artist for a long time because I grew up in Africa, and African art is something that’s always been important to me,” Kim Jones said.⠀
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Titled, “Portrait of an Artist”, the collection was showcased in two parts; photos shot in London and at Boafo’s painting studio in Ghana. The images from Accra picture the artists with his friends clad in pieces from the collection.
Boafo’s signature finger-stroke portraits of black people were prominent on the knitted turtle necks and jacquard.
Dior said it utilized an embroidery technique literally known as needle painting, and incorporate subtly textured intarsia blocks of colour to create the looks.
“In a further perpetuation of its commitment to art, a passion and heritage passed down from Monsieur Dior himself, the House will lend its support to an art initiative spearheaded in Ghana by Amoako Boafo, in particular for the creation of a place of residence for young artists,” the French fashion brand said in a statement.
An obviously grateful Amoako Boafo took to his Instagram to share the news, writing: “Thanks to @merarubell for introducing @mrkimjones and thanks to @marianeibrahimgallery for making @dior happen and to everyone who helped make it happen #amoakoboafo ??????”
According to the artist, it was an honour to work with Dior likening fashion and art’s creative chemistry.
“In many ways, the fashion and art world are similar in their creative venture, in their craft; to convey genuine messages about being, and self-worth, much of which aligns with why I create artworks: to elevate individuals and to define oneself,” he pointed out.
