Leslie Boamah - Alumnus, 1997
"I understand the power of art: to tell a story, to make others pay attention, to force them into action, and to help us heal. Now, as a member of the creative work force, I also understand the power of art as it impacts our nation's economy, culture and aesthetic."
Leslie Boamah, Age 18, The Execution of My Dad, 1997
The Inside Story
Since his childhood in Africa, Leslie Boamah had been mystified by his father's sudden disappearance. It was only when he came to this country in 1994 to join his mother, who had been living in the United States as a political refugee, that Leslie learned his father had been executed because he was suspected of participating in a coup against the Ghanian dictator, Jerry Rawlings. To deal with his loss, Leslie's mother urged him to turn to painting. The result was his award-winning collection, "Things That Caused Me the Most Pain," his father's story in painted imagery. "During a recent trip to Ghana, my testimony and paintings convinced the government to exhume my father's remains for proper burial."
Current Status
Graphic Designer for Franco Apparel in NYC; clients include Eddie Bauer.
Career Path/Artistic Path
Leslie Boamah has presented paintings to both President John Kuffour of Ghana and former First Lady Hillary Clinton. Over the past three years, he has been featured in a number of publications -Vibe, Essence, and XXL among them. He is currently designing a line of clothing and accessories "Peace Rocs," which will launch in 2005. Leslie is dedicating his clothing line in honor of his father, and also hoping to reflect his desire for "unity within the community" with his designs.
Exhibitions/Publications
Recognition through The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
"I understand the power of art: to tell a story, to make others pay attention, to force them into action, and to help us heal. Now, as a member of the creative work force, I also understand the power of art as it impacts our nation's economy, culture and aesthetic."
Leslie Boamah, Age 18, The Execution of My Dad, 1997
The Inside Story
Since his childhood in Africa, Leslie Boamah had been mystified by his father's sudden disappearance. It was only when he came to this country in 1994 to join his mother, who had been living in the United States as a political refugee, that Leslie learned his father had been executed because he was suspected of participating in a coup against the Ghanian dictator, Jerry Rawlings. To deal with his loss, Leslie's mother urged him to turn to painting. The result was his award-winning collection, "Things That Caused Me the Most Pain," his father's story in painted imagery. "During a recent trip to Ghana, my testimony and paintings convinced the government to exhume my father's remains for proper burial."
Current Status
Graphic Designer for Franco Apparel in NYC; clients include Eddie Bauer.
Career Path/Artistic Path
Leslie Boamah has presented paintings to both President John Kuffour of Ghana and former First Lady Hillary Clinton. Over the past three years, he has been featured in a number of publications -Vibe, Essence, and XXL among them. He is currently designing a line of clothing and accessories "Peace Rocs," which will launch in 2005. Leslie is dedicating his clothing line in honor of his father, and also hoping to reflect his desire for "unity within the community" with his designs.
Exhibitions/Publications
- The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards National Student Art Exhibition, Hands & Minds, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
- Leslie Boamah's paintings have been shown in a gallery in Chelsea.
- He is currently working on an exhibition for 2005.
- Recognized by former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton - reception at the White House, 1998
- Full Scholarship - Cooper Union School for Advancement of Science and Art, 1997
- Bronze medal - Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO)
Recognition through The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
- Portfolio Gold, The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 1997
- Silver Key, The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 1996
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