Ofili

Ofili is a surname of Nigerian origin, most commonly associated with individuals who have made an impact in contemporary art and culture. In the arts, the name is chiefly linked to Chris Ofili, a Nigerian-British painter born in 1968, who rose to international prominence in the late 1990s.

Chris Ofili is widely regarded as a leading figure in the Young British Artists movement. His paintings blend African iconography, religious imagery, and contemporary urban references, often employing mixed media, collage, and textured surfaces with vibrant color schemes. His work frequently incorporates unconventional materials, including glitter and other found elements, to create layered visual narratives.

Ofili’s best-known works address themes of race, identity, memory, and faith. His art has been exhibited widely and is held in major public and private collections around the world. He gained international attention in 1998 when he won the Turner Prize, an achievement that helped propel his career onto a global stage. In the 1990s, some of his religiously themed works sparked controversy and spirited public debate over the portrayal of sacred figures.

Beyond his painting, Ofili has contributed to discussions on diaspora, cultural hybridity, and spirituality within contemporary art. The surname Ofili is shared by others in various fields, but Chris Ofili remains the most prominent figure associated with the name in contemporary art.