BOLD by Aplerh-Doku Borlabi (most known as Doku) is an exploration of confidence, self-assurance and being true to oneself. Incorporating eight pieces crafted during the gallery’s inaugural artist-in-residency program, these artworks blend the subjects Doku captured in Ghana with the distinct “characters” he encountered during his residency in San Francisco. Moore shares that the inspiration for the exhibition’s title comes from “many conversations Doku and I had where the word BOLD came up a lot.” Moore notes that “Doku uses that word to not only describe the Black beauty in Ghanaian people and how they adorn themselves or how they dress, but how he also sees the San Francisco people he has encountered in the streets.” Both communities of people separated geographically by varying continents share this idea of confidence, being unapologetically themselves whether through their sense of fashion, how they take up space, how they interact with one another, their mannerisms and so much more. Their “bold” energy is a part of them, it makes them who they are.
Aplerh-Doku Borlabi (b. 1987) is a Ghanaian artist based out of Accra. Borlabi is most known for his figurative oil paintings and his use of coconut sheath to create his subjects’ varying Black complexions. The complex properties of the coconut sheath’s multiple layers, longhairs, and varying shades of brown whimsically renders skin texture and bone structure, while emulating the way natural light surfaces on skin. Having attended Ghanatta College of Arts and Design he found a way to embody his own culture and ethnic identity into his practice. In April of 2023, Borlabi was a part of the group show Black as an Experience, Not as a Color at Jonathan Carver Moore gallery and he has been featured in Artnet, JUXTAPOZ, KQED, FAD Magazine, The San Francisco Chronicle and SF Examiner . Borlabi and Gagosian represented artist, Amoako Boafo were both schoolmates and currently share a studio. Borlabi's work was also selected to be a part of The Museum of the African Diaspora's Benefit Auction
Aplerh-Doku Borlabi (b. 1987) is a Ghanaian artist based out of Accra. Borlabi is most known for his figurative oil paintings and his use of coconut sheath to create his subjects’ varying Black complexions. The complex properties of the coconut sheath’s multiple layers, longhairs, and varying shades of brown whimsically renders skin texture and bone structure, while emulating the way natural light surfaces on skin. Having attended Ghanatta College of Arts and Design he found a way to embody his own culture and ethnic identity into his practice. In April of 2023, Borlabi was a part of the group show Black as an Experience, Not as a Color at Jonathan Carver Moore gallery and he has been featured in Artnet, JUXTAPOZ, KQED, FAD Magazine, The San Francisco Chronicle and SF Examiner . Borlabi and Gagosian represented artist, Amoako Boafo were both schoolmates and currently share a studio. Borlabi's work was also selected to be a part of The Museum of the African Diaspora's Benefit Auction