Andrew Lambirth

Island inspiration

Chris Ofili<br /> Tate Britain, until 16 May

issue 06 February 2010

Chris Ofili
Tate Britain, until 16 May

There’s always something temporary-looking about an installation of Chris Ofili’s early paintings. These works are not hanging on the wall, but lean against it, propped up on feet of elephant dung — the best-known ingredient of this Turner Prize-winning artist’s work. As a consequence, the exhibition looks as if it’s still in the process of being hung, and these elaborately decorated and largely trivial paintings have yet to be hoisted on to the gallery walls.

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