First learned about Amoako Boafo while looking at various artists online in early 2018. First  remembers being intrigued by Boafo both because of his unique talent, and because he was working  specifically in Black portraiture, which was less common in the mainstream at the time. When Boafo  came to The Cabin LA in June of 2019 he was the only artist that had come to the residency working  solely in Black portraiture. Boafo proved to be a trendsetter, not only for the type of art that was being  produced at the Cabin, but also in the broader art world. One of the most significant memories First  has of Boafo’s stay at the Cabin was when he decided to paint the walls. For his show, The Sitters,  Boafo painted the white walls of the Cabin with vibrant hues to compliment his artworks. In Striped  Socks, Boafo paints a friend relaxing in a chair and utilizing his signature methodology of painting  skin with his fingers. But it is the striped socks juxtaposed against the purple pants that make this  masterpiece pop! Boafo is represented by Roberts Projects and Mariane Ibrahim Gallery.