He studied in London at Chelsea School of Art (1988–91) and the Royal College of Art (1991–3). In 1992 he was awarded a travelling scholarship to Zimbabwe, an experience that profoundly influenced his approach to painting. His works are vibrant, technically complex and meticulously executed, consisting of layers of paint, resin, glitter and collage. Ofili often incorporated elephant dung into his work. Lumps are attached to the canvas directly or used to support the paintings when displayed in the gallery space. His paintings are concerned with issues of black identity and experience and frequently employ racial stereotypes in order to challenge them.
Turner Prize 1998 artists: Chris Ofili
Chris Ofili was the first painter to be awarded the Prize since Howard Hodgkin in 1985.