Kwesi Botchway

Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner

Symptoms of Wisdom (Age of No Return Series) (2017) is a commanding example of the artist’s exploration of Black identity and psychological depth through portraiture. The work is distinguished by Botchway’s signature fusion of hyper-realistic faces with stylised elements, reflecting a contemporary take on figurative painting.

Born in 1994, Botchway has rapidly gained international attention for paintings that foreground the elegance and complexity of his subjects—often depicted with rich, dark skin tones, luminous eyes, and backgrounds or adornments in unexpected hues. In Symptoms of Wisdom, the sitter’s poised expression and introspective gaze signal an inner maturity, while the painting’s palette draws out both warmth and gravity, underscoring the work’s meditative qualities.

The subtitle “Age of No Return Series” speaks to a sense of irrevocable change—a pivotal transition into a state of self-knowledge or acceptance. Botchway’s practice is grounded in tracing the emotional textures of Black experience; here, wisdom is framed not as nostalgia but as a mark of transformation and resilience. The artist’s meticulous craft heightens the sitter’s presence, inviting viewers to engage personally and reflectively with the portrait’s emotive force.

This painting exemplifies Botchway’s growing reputation as a voice for a new generation of African painters, bridging classical technique with contemporary sensibility and narrative ambition. Symptoms of Wisdom resonates with collectors and institutions seeking works that challenge, dignify, and enrich the global conversation on portraiture and identity in the 21st century.