The artwork “No Woman No Cry” by Chris Ofili, created in 1998, is housed at the Tate Modern in London, UK. Executed in mixed media, this piece is representative of the Neo-Expressionism art movement and falls into the figurative genre.
The artwork features a portrait of a woman adorned with various textures and layers, combining bright colors with intricate patterns. The woman’s face, turned in profile, is set against a vibrant yellow background intersected by a diamond grid. The subject’s expression is melancholic, with tears depicted prominently on her face, rendered using a blend of materials that add depth and complexity to the composition. Her hair is intricately detailed, braided and intertwined with the fine patterns that remark on both tradition and nuance. The use of mixed media in the artwork results in a layered texture, suggesting the multifaceted nature of the subject’s experience and emotion. The vibrant colors, combined with the careful detailing and unique materials, convey a powerful narrative that speaks to resilience amidst sorrow.
