Chris Ofili (Born 1968)

Chris Ofili is an English painter, who studied in London at Chelsea School of Art (1988-91) and the Royal College of Art (1991-3). In 1992 Chris Ofili was awarded a travelling scholarship to Zimbabwe, an experience that profoundly influenced his approach to painting, using references from African music, culture, religion and textiles, he began to experiment with unconventional techniques, materials (famously elephant dung) and subject matter. Chris Ofili's works are vibrant, technically complex and meticulously executed, consisting of layers of paint, resin, glitter and collage. Using heavily decorative and intricate patterns he explores widely diverse themes, including sacred ideals, identity, black history, high and low culture and self-awareness. more