Social and Cultural

Question 1

Racist Attack

Answer 1

One of Chris Ofili’s main interests is documenting issues of racially motivated violencethrough his art. This is seen in his painting ‘No Woman, No Cry’ showing Doreen Lawrence, the mother of Stephen Lawrence who was murdered in a racist attack, which shocked the nation and brought attention to racism within the police force.

Question 2

Religion

Answer 2

Much of Ofili’s art is influenced by religion in art history, which can be seen in ‘No Woman, No Cry’ where he has painted Doreen Lawrence in the same pose as the 16th century painting, ‘The Magdalen Weeping’. This has been done to represent the grief and pain which both women feel over the unjust death of their sons.

Question 3

Aboriginal Art

Answer 3

‘No Woman, No Cry’ features many of Ofili’s inspirations. The tiny dots which he has used to create the womanin the painting, came from Ofili’s inspiration of the patterns and dots found within Aboriginal Art. The collaged circles which make up the background’s diamond pattern are taken from work by the British artist, Bridget Riley.

Question 4

Bob Marley

Answer 4

The title of the painting is named after a 1974 song by the Jamaican musician Bob Marley. Ofili used this title forhis piece, as the song is about the unfairness felt by many people of colour, and its lyrics comfort a woman in distress, telling her to stay strong. This is the message which Ofili looks to convey to Doreen Lawrence.