Philip Ofili

I am fascinated by the necessity of art in culture. My work is tied to a passion to investigate possibilities and document the inherent tension in migrating from my country of origin Nigeria to the United States, incorporating fun and challenging memories of my past and reality of the present into my work is an exciting journey in possibilities.

In my studio practice, I enjoy working on variations within a theme, images I make are visual abstract records of an on going internal and external dialog in a dynamic space influenced by the rigors of navigating two cultures that shape my vision and experience on a daily basis.

It is a delight to explore my inner and outer reality through making art utilizing composition elements of line, shape and color on layered surfaces.

Born and raised in Nigeria, I migrated to the United States in 1997. I earned an MFA in painting and printmaking from the University of Pennsylvania in 2000, my work are in many private and public collections in the United States, Europe and Africa. Currently I live and work in Philadelphia.

2000, MFA, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA