Unity

Chris Ofili is famous for his controversial pieces more so then anything else, his works are famous for content and materials, and he is renowned for using mixed media. In this piece he has (like in all his work) used the colours of the African flag to comprise the subjects. Which straight off gives you strong symbolism of belonging or sometimes in offili’s case, not. I could not find a literal meaning for this piece, but like in all Ofili”s work there is a underlining theme of race, belonging, politics, struggle and stereotypes. I don’t think it is any different for this one, I believe this is to do with love through hardship and discontent. my favorite part, is that the two kissing faces have together create a heart shape.
The materials used were gouache and gold leaf on paper, it has created a striking effect. This use of mixed media once again, has worked well, the bold African colours set of by the use of gold. I believe he may have used gold to show, personal excitement and maybe even glamour, because no matter the hardships the couple may have endured, love for each other prevails. Unity, in the face of opposition.

REACTION

this was my reaction, i have really taken on board the idea of using people or things to create shapes. so i made the finger shape resemble a heart, i also took on the use of bold colours, and few of them. i decided to put my own touch on the piece by trying to realistically recreate the hands, instead of cartooning them. however i did take the cartoon element into it by drawing the heart with pastels. this also made it a mixed media piece, which is very common with Chris ofili.i believe the use of human hands making a heart sign has strong connotations of love and unity, combined with the pastels i believe it comes over well.