Chris Ofili's show at the Chicago Arts Club was a surprise to me. Familiar with some Ofili's past work, I never expected to find such beautifully abstracted compositions, such as that in Afroeverlasting.
At first glance the work appears as a circle constructed of some fragile, intricate material. Upon further investigation, the viewer realizes that this fragile, intricate material is a very abundant series of afro heads. Yes. Afro. Heads. These are the heads of men with voluptuous, blooming craniums of quintessentially African-American/British hair. These tiny heads ostensibly contribute a satirical aspect to the overall effect of Afroeverlasting, as does its title.
The title Afroeverlasting is absolutely hilarious. It is an undeniable fact of which Chris Ofili was obviously aware. Humor in juxtaposition with truly austere and gorgeous composition--the stark and stoic or resistant use of mark and color--creates a sort of work that I cannot describe. I feel that I have viewed two pieces as I recall my reaction to Afroeverlasting--the one I aw as I approaced the work from afar, which was a delicate circle, and the other.
The other was a playful collage of one image that carries considerable weight--the afro head.
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