Chris Ofili is a British Nigerian, born in 1968. He studied Art at the Chelsea school of Art in London. His experimental, cross-media artwork has provoked much controversy over the years, especially his depiction of the Holy Virgin Mary and his use of Elephant dung in his paintings. Yes, you read it right, elephant dung. One painting, 'No Woman No Cry' was inspired by the grief of the parents of Stephen Lawrence. Stephen, a London student, was murdered in a race attack. His death prompted a massive inquiry into race relations. The painting depicts a weeping black woman and Stephen Lawrence's face appears in each tear. Probably my favorite Ofili piece. His visions can amuse, abhor and affect,combining the holy and the obscene. Blending hip-hop culture with traditional folklore and spirituality sets him aside from other artists, smacking his points of view on the canvass like marmite. You either love him or hate him. I've decided firmly on the former. ❤ him.
I wonder if i can get him to do a customized painting for me, minus the elephant dung...perhaps substitute it with some dark chocolate? Just a thought! xoxo
