Dream 1998

Chris Ofili made "Dream" with paint, paper collage, glitter and pins – you can almost hear him in the studio playing with the materials. The painting feels so tender, like a daydream, glowing with neon lines, the woman’s features are dark and mysterious against the light blue background. I imagine Ofili working on this painting, layering different elements to evoke a sense of mystery and allure. The texture is palpable, you want to reach out and touch the delicate lace collar and feel the shimmer of the glitter. But he doesn't let you off that easily. You are drawn to the dark profile and glowing thread that surrounds her. The gesture of a line – that glowing line is such a loaded mark! It's like a thought bubble, or an energy field that gives the subject power. It makes me think about other artists, like Kerry James Marshall, who play with blackness and representation. Ultimately, it's about the ongoing dialogue between artists across time, inspiring each other to push boundaries. It's a reminder that painting embraces ambiguity and allows for endless interpretations.