Chris Ofili

Chris Ofili (born 1968) is an English painter noted for works referencing aspects of his African background.

Related Topics:
1968 - English - Painter - Africa

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Ofili was born in Manchester. He studied art in London, at the Chelsea School of Art from 1988 to 1991 and at the Royal College of Art from 1991 to 1993.

Related Topics:
Manchester - Art - London - Chelsea School of Art - 1988 - 1991 - Royal College of Art - 1993

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In 1992 he won a scholarship which allowed him to travel to Zimbabwe. Ofili, who is of Nigerian descent, studied cave paintings there which had some effect on his style. He also began to incorporate elephant dung into his pictures, a substance which is used in a variety of rituals in Africa. This is sometimes applied directly to the canvas in lumps, and sometimes acts a support on which the paintings stand.

Related Topics:
Zimbabwe - Nigeria - Cave painting - Elephant - Dung - Ritual

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One such painting, a depiction of the Virgin Mary,

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was at issue in a lawsuit between the mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani,

Related Topics:
New York City - Rudy Giuliani

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and the Brooklyn Museum of Art when it was exhibited there in 1999.

Related Topics:
Brooklyn Museum of Art - 1999

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Ofili's painting also references blaxploitation films and gangsta rap often to question racial and sexual stereotypes in a humorous way. His work is often built up in layers of paint, resin, glitter, dung and other materials to create a collage.

Related Topics:
Blaxploitation - Film - Gangsta rap - Collage

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Ofili showed work in the exhibitions which established the Young British Artists, Brilliant! (1995) and Sensation (1997). He has had numerous solo shows since the early 1990s.

Related Topics:
Young British Artist - 1995 - 1997 - 1990s

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In 1998, Ofili won the Turner Prize.

Related Topics:
1998 - Turner Prize

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In 2005, Ofili was listed in 100 People Who Are Screwing Up America (And Al Franken is No. 37) by Bernard Goldberg, at #86. ISBN 0060761288

Related Topics:
2005 - 100 People Who Are Screwing Up America - Bernard Goldberg

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