“To Take and to Give” is a notable artwork created by the artist Chris Ofili in the year 2012. This piece, which falls under the Neo-Expressionism art movement, is a figurative, nude painting (nu).
The artwork exhibits a vibrant, multifaceted composition that reflects Ofili’s characteristic style. The image is suffused with a rich, diverse palette, featuring an array of intertwined figures depicted in various gradients of colors such as green, yellow, and red. The figures are presented in a fluid, almost dreamlike manner, conveying a sense of movement and interconnectedness. Swirling lines and soft transitions between hues add to the ethereal quality of the piece. The depiction of the figures, unclothed and organic, is both bold and evocative, sparking contemplation on the dynamics of taking and giving within human experience. The meticulous application of colors and forms underscores the emotive intensity typical of Neo-Expressionism, while the figurative nature of the work maintains a strong narrative presence.