Self-Portrait (June Sarpong) 2022

Kwesi Botchway’s portrait of British TV presenter June Sarpong celebrates her role as a leading voice for diversity and representation in the entertainment industry. By honoring her through portraiture, Botchway contributes to a wider conversation on dismantling racial stereotypes in media. 

His signature use of rich, velvety black skin tones—rooted in Ghanaian symbolism where deep black is associated with beauty, prestige, and royalty—reclaims and elevates Black identity. The work not only pays tribute to Sarpong’s achievements but also visually asserts pride and dignity in Black representation.