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,
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 poetic 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 Caribbean life throughout his body of work.
This piece is part of Chris Ofili's "Rainbow" portfolio, a small and rare collection of twelve dynamic prints rendered in various pastel tones. Each work is realized in a rainbow hue and dominated by nearly a monochromatic palette. The result is a uniquely uplifting body of work that showcases the artist's distinct vision and exploration of color and form. One gets the sense of Ofili truly celebrating and luxuriating in the climate, mystery and landscape (or dreamscape) of the Caribbean.
"Yellow Day Dreamer" is one of the more works from the "Rainbow" portfolio. It is imagery invites interpretation. What is Ofili trying to depict? A triangular ghoul or a strange vantage point of a dog's open snout?
Regardless, the contrast of the bleached lemon yellow background with intricate linework in varying opacities of ochre contributes to a sense of motion and mystery.
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 .
"Yellow Day Dreamer" from the "Rainbow" portfolio
2008
Spit bite aquatint with drypoint printed in orange on yellow gampi paper chine collé
Signed, titled, dated, and numbered by the artist
From an edition of 10
20"H 15"W (Sheet)
21.75"H 16.75"W (Framed)
Very good condition
Publisher: Crown Point Press
Note: Sold individually.