Chris Ofili

Born in Manchester to Nigerian parents, Chris Ofili is a British artist whose work is an exploration of the intersection of these two cultures. Chris is unafraid to use unusual media in his Conceptual Paintings, and has been known to incorporate everything from glitter to beads, and most notoriously elephant dung. The diversity of his artwork is impressive, and he has worked on everything from a series of Watercolours to extensive Mixed Media Paintings. Running through all his work is a sense of subversion and a radical political undertone that has earned it the moniker of “punk art”.

Chris Ofili’s Life and Career

Chris was born in 1968 in Manchester and made his way down to London to begin his artistic training at the Chelsea School of Art. His Political Art garnered wide attention, and he became known as one of the few British artists of African descent to break through as a member of the Young British Artists group. He draws inspiration from diverse sources, including cave paintings and the German and Russian Expressionists.

Exhibitions, Collections and Awards

The first great success of Chris’ career was his participation in the travelling exhibition Sensation owned by Charles Saatchi and showing in the world’s most prestigious galleries. Since then he has exhibited his Paintings in solo and group shows both nationally and internationally. Chris has also picked up various awards along the way, and was the first black artist to earn the distinguished Turner Prize in 1998.