Review: Chris Ofili Exhibition at Tate Britain
Turner prize winning British painter Chris Ofili will have his work on display at Tate Britain, an exhibition that will run until 16 May. Highlighting Ofili’s experimental, cross-media artwork, Tate Britain will feature some of the artist’s greatest works, including his two 1996 works, Afrodizzia and The Holy Virgin Mary, as well as Blossom (1997) and No Woman No Cry (1998). These pieces highlight his ability to blend hip-hop culture with traditional folklore and spirituality; a truly rare skill.
Chris Ofili managed to become a member of the Young British Artists (YBA), and is one of the few representatives of the African/Caribbean art style. His work is noted for its ability to capture his Nigerian heritage. His work is also noted for his ability to cross media, including the use of such rare media as glitter, resin, and map pins.
Tate Britain’s exhibition will showcase the Upper Room 199-2002, with 13 works from the artist. This dark, religious hall will house the artist’s canvases depicted rhesus macaque monkeys, which are individually lit to bring out their true power and intense colours.
The other exhibition, From London to Trinidad, will showcase Chris Ofili’s creations from when he lived in the Caribbean nation. Not only does his work from this period (after 2005) show his love for the landscape, but also capture sensual and Biblical images in contrast. On display in this exhibition will be Iscariot Blues from 2006, The Raising of Lazarus (2007), Strangers from Paradise (2007-08) and his 2008 piece The Healer. Also on display will be several of Ofili’s more contemporary works.
Price of admission is ￡10 per ticket, and ￡8.50 per concession ticket. You can visit daily between 10:00am to 5:40pm, or every first Friday of the month between 6:00pm and 9:40pm. This is an exhibiton everyone should see over and over again.