>CHRIS OFILI

Tate Britain
15 May 2010

Blossom 1997


www.tate.org.uk

Overpowering and in your face, these glitter and dung encrusted afro beauties are bling for the eye!

Chris Ofili is one of the few British artists of African/Caribbean descent to break through as a member of the Young British Artists (YBAs). He's noted for artworks referencing aspects of his Nigerian heritage. His artworks are intensely coloured with rich layering and show an inventive use of mixed media – glitter, resin, map pins, torn up porn mags and... elephant dung!

In 1998, Ofili won the Turner Prize. Later, in 2003, he was selected to represent Britain at the Venice Biennale, where his work for the British Pavilion was done in collaboration with the architect David Adjaye. In 2005 he left London behind for the warmer climes of Trinidad - this move has added another twist to his ever evolving body of work - allowing him to explore the landscape and mythology of his new found paradise.

This has to be one of the best shows we have seen for a while. Beautiful, smutty and amazingly powerful - these oversized creations are a feel good feast. Brilliant! The show catalogue is really wonderful too...


The adoration of Captain shit and the legend of the black stars 1998


10 out of 10