No Woman No Cry
by Chris Ofili
Chris Ofili is an artist from the United Kingdom. He was unknown to me, then I drew his name at random for an oral presentation in my Art class. The professor told me I would love him, and I do. He acknowledges his Nigerian heritage by using elephant dung in his work. He doesn't splatter it on, as his critics claim. It is an ancient art form in Africa, and it is built up and dried and used as the base for the work. His work "The Holy Virgin Mary" caused a ruckus when it was on display in New York City. Americans thought it pornographic, and while I understand there is a legal definition for porn, I tend to think pornography is in the eye of the beholder. Rudy Giuliani, who was mayor of the city at the time, said that freedom of speech doesn't cover things that are "disgusting." I guess disgusting is in the eye of the beholder as well.
The Holy Virgin Mary
by Chris Ofili
Ofili said he was shocked and unprepared for what he called "American rage" over his work, because being from the UK, he wasn't accustomed to that. Ofili lives and works in Trinidad. He has done a poster for the upcoming Olympic games this summer in London.
Susan
"No Woman No Cry" written by Vincent Ford
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