In this new work on paper, Chris Ofili’s imagery represents the myth of the satyr. Crowning of a Satyr (Blue), 2021, depicts a satyr with curved silvery horns being crowned by a female figure, the selkie. In Scottish mythology the selkie is a mythological creature who is able to transform from seal into human form by shedding its sealskin. Here, the selkie is visible in her female form, after the moment of metamorphosis; she is one with the water. With his sensitive representations, Ofili repositions the satyr away from the conventional depictions of wild, Dionysian conduct.

Chris Ofili was born in Manchester, England, in 1968, and currently lives and works in Trinidad. Solo exhibitions of the artist’s work have been presented at international venues including the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (2017); National Gallery, London (2017); New Museum, New York (2014), travelling to Aspen Art Museum (2015); The Arts Club of Chicago (2010); Tate Britain, London (2010 and 2005); Kestner Gesellschaft, Hannover (2006), The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York (2005) and Serpentine Gallery, London (1998). In 2012, Ofili created a dynamic installation of paintings as well as set and costume designs for a new ballet as part of Metamorphosis: Titian 2012, a unique collaboration between London’s National Gallery and The Royal Opera House. The artist represented Britain in the 50th Venice Biennale in 2003 and won the Turner Prize in 1998.