The artwork, “The Holy Virgin Mary,” was created by Chris Ofili in 1996. It is a collage and mixed media piece that falls within the Neo-Expressionism art movement. The dimensions of the artwork are 253 x 182.2 cm, and it is classified as figurative art. This notable piece is housed at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, New York, United States.
The artwork features an abstract and highly stylized depiction of the Virgin Mary. Utilizing a vibrant and contrasting color palette dominated by yellows and blues, Ofili combines diverse materials to create a textured and layered composition. The figure of the Virgin Mary is constructed from an amalgamation of delicate patterns and motifs, with carefully placed elements that give depth and dimension to the composition. The use of collage elements, along with mixed media techniques, evokes a sense of the contemporary while drawing on traditional iconography. The piece is notable for its innovative approach and the way it challenges conventional representations of a revered religious figure.
