Chris Ofili (b. 1968), a member of the Young British Artists, is renowned for his vibrant, multi-layered works that celebrate Afrocentrism through both figurative and abstract approaches using both contemporary and historical lenses.
Ofili’s oeuvre is rich with kaleidoscopic compositions realized through unconventional mediums such as beads, glitter, map pins, and most notoriously, elephant dung.
His works blur the line between abstraction and figuration, often including obscured imagery, intricate symbolism, and diverse cultural references that contribute to a larger narrative.
In 2005, Ofili followed his friend and contemporary Peter Doig and relocated his life and practice to Trinidad and Tobago. The move played a significant role in his artistic trajectory, as he began integrating spiritual, mythological, cultural, and aesthetic influences from Afro-Caribbean life throughout his work.
"Afro Lunar Lovers II" comes from Ofili's series "Afro Lunar Lovers," a body of work that subverts glossy, Edenic travel brochures to investigate the commodification of Afro-Caribbean culture. The result unveils the tension between idealized travel destinations and their repressed colonial histories.
In this work, two immeshed figures engage in a passionate embrace under the glow of a metallic moon that simultaneously reveals the contours of an expansive pyramid in the background of the composition. The couple is affixed by the grip of a golden cobra that coils around their bodies, a biblical reference that symbolizes both temptation and sensuality.
While it sounds cliche, this work is best appreciated in person. It has a lovely texture and variation of black hued surfaces. While we didn't choose this traditional and ornate frame...it is curiously handsome and effective with this artwork.
Ofili was the recipient of the Turner Prize in 1998. His work is celebrated in public collections across the globe including the Tate (London), Studio Museum Harlem (New York), and the San Fransisco Museum of Art.
Questions about this piece? or call 1.416.704.1720
Visit our Toronto gallery on .
"Afro Lunar Lovers II"
2005
Screenprint and giclée in colors with embossing and gold leaf, on wove paper
Signed, titled, dated, and numbered by the artist
From an edition of 250
19"H 12.25"W (work)
(Framed)
Very good condition
Co-published by Afroco and Victoria Miro Gallery, London
