Nothing is left to chance in the art of Derrick Ofosu Boateng. All of his works are intentional, with countless layers beneath waiting to be uncloaked and discovered. They expose a landscape of colorful compositions, stark silhouettes and proverbial wisdom that celebrates the cultural richness of Africa.

His debut title, Hueism, offers a panoramic journey through his vibrant chromatic world. Designed to unfold like a semantic color index, this book presents Boateng's pioneering works as never before, deciphering the poetry of his photography. Featured artworks are juxtaposed with the traditional African proverb and Boateng's poem that sparked their creation, offering unprecedented insight into his creative process across 200+ pages.

Q
What central narrative do you aim to convey about African culture through your photography?
A
From a mainstream, predominantly Western viewpoint, Africa is often painted in a negative light. My aim is to correct this misperception, using my art to accurately depict what African culture truly embodies and represents. To me, that includes our unyielding optimism, pride, unity, sense of family, resilience, beauty, success and rich traditions. And, of course, the embodiment of positive expressions such as joy and happiness.

Q
What led you to the inception of 'Hueism', and could you expand on its fundamental philosophy within the scope of African Art?
A
Historically, there's a significant lack of African movements in the art space. Claiming an art movement is a powerful way to share your message, and in my case, to address the misinterpretation of Africa. It's not just a declaration; it's also a call to participate. The term ‘Hueism’ is derived from the word 'hue' which is synonymous with 'strength of color' and revolves around self expression through color therapy and visual poetry. These are my guiding principles, but they're open for personal interpretation. In my work, I use proverbs for my ideation process, which sets me apart from other artists.