Amoako Boafo at Palazzo Grimani: portraits in dialogue with Venetian

Amoako Boafo at Palazzo Grimani

Dates: 6 May - 22 November 2026

The Museo di Palazzo Grimani, part of the National Archaeological Museums of Venice and the Lagoon, presents the first Italian solo exhibition by Ghanaian artist Amoako Boafo. Produced in collaboration with Gagosian and the Museum, the show opens during the 61st Venice Art Biennale and stages an encounter between Boafo’s contemporary portraits and the palace’s historic artworks.

For this exhibition Boafo has created new works that emphasize material presence: he applies paint with his fingers, experiments with a "paper transfer" technique and incorporates textile motifs referencing damask and Burano lace. These elements combine Ghanaian palettes and textures with the conventions of Venetian portraiture.

• Context: a conversation between contemporary art and the palace’s historic collections.
• Techniques: tactile finger painting, paper transfer, textile references and site-specific installation.
• Aim: to build an immersive visual ecosystem that highlights individual identities within a Renaissance architectural setting.

The installation is conceived to respect the building’s heritage while creating a visual dialogue that links the representation of Black subjects to the legacy of Venetian masters. Boafo adapts Venetian textile patterns using Ghanaian colours to create a cultural and aesthetic bridge.

Visitor information: the exhibition runs from 6 May to 22 November 2026 at the Museo di Palazzo Grimani. Check the museum’s official channels for opening hours and ticketing before planning your visit.