Meet the Artist – Les Boamah Fine Art

About the Artist

Biography
Les Boamah is a visual artist who believes art is more than just a beautiful picture—it is a powerful form of healing and expression.

Born and raised in Accra, Ghana, he later moved to the United States to build his career. His art beautifully connects these two worlds, telling a story of overcoming great loss and finding purpose.

Early Recognition
Leslie’s talent was clear from a young age. While still a teenager, his powerful art portfolio, “The Thing That Cost Me the Most Pain,” won the top national prize (the Gold Key) in the prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. This collection explored deep personal and political trauma, marking him as a visionary artist

The most famous piece from this portfolio was a life-size painting called “The Execution of My Dad.” Painted at 18, its raw emotion and bold subject matter captured national attention. A critic from The Washington Post noted that the painting’s power came from both its painful subject and its direct, simple title.

This success led to a great honor. In 1998, Leslie was recognized at the White House and presented a portrait to First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton for her advocacy in children’s education.

Education and Signature Style
Leslie’s exceptional talent earned him a full scholarship to the elite Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York.

He is a versatile artist, working in painting, sculpture, and mixed media. However, he has developed a special practice using a ballpoint pen, which he calls “Artobiography.” This series is dedicated to honoring people who inspire him. “Every year, I do a portrait of someone who has motivated me or made a difference,” he says.

A Mission of Honor and Healing
Through his “Artobiography,” Leslie has connected with many influential leaders:

· 1998: Presented a portrait to Hillary Clinton at the White House.
· 2003: Honored President John Kufuor of Ghana. This was deeply personal, as President Kufuor’s government helped Leslie’s family finally bury his father, who was a victim of past political violence.
· 2022: Presented a portrait to New York City Mayor Eric Adams during the city’s first Juneteenth celebration at Gracie Mansion.
· 2025: Presented a portrait of President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, inspired by his leadership and his life-changing Free Senior High School education policy.

Conclusion
Leslie Boamah’s art does more than hang on a wall. It tells important stories, honors history, motivates change, and helps heal old wounds. To see his work is to witness how art can break barriers and create a meaningful

Education
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art | New York, NY
School of Art

Past Awards and Honors
· 2001 | Memorial Prize for Excellence in Art from the Cooper Union School of Art
· 1998 | Alliance for young Artist and Writers Selected to be a part of the Hands and Minds
· 1998 | 1995-98 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Won 10 Gold Keys and 5 Silver Keys
· 1998 | Scholastic Art & Writing Awards National Gold key Art Portfolio Winner
· 1998 | 1996-98 Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO)
Won twice at the national competition and three times at the local level.
· 1997 | Alpha Omega Art Competition Won first place in the final round and was an overall
Won first place in the final round and was an overall winner twice.
· 1997 | Montgomery County (MD) Outstanding Artist of the Year

Exhibitions

National & International Press and Media Features.
Voice of America, CNN, Channel 23 (MD), Channel 9 (MD), The Washington Post, The New York Times, Associated Press, The Wheaton Gazette, The Cooper Union Pioneer, Essence Magazine, Vibe Magazine, XXL Magazine, Mirror of Africa, Ghanaian Times, Ghanaian Daily Graphic, Ghanaian Evening News GTV and many more.