Queenie

Standing against a warm golden background, this woman commands attention with her crossed arms and steady presence. The work is by Amoako Boafo, a Ghanaian artist who has become one of the most talked-about painters of recent years. His signature technique is hard to miss here: instead of using a brush for the skin, he applies paint with his fingers, creating swirling textures that bring his subjects to life. You can see those finger-painted strokes in her face, neck, and hands, where the dark tones twist and curl in beautiful patterns.

Boafo focuses almost entirely on portraits of Black figures, celebrating their beauty, dignity, and individuality. The patterned dress and bright lips add small bursts of color, while the plain gold backdrop keeps all the focus on her. There is something quietly confident about her pose, as if she knows exactly who she is. Boafo has spoken about wanting to represent Black people on his own terms, and works like this one have helped him build a global following, with his paintings shown in major museums and galleries around the world.