Chris Ofili at David Zwirner Gallery

Four paintings hang against chain link fencing at David Zwirner Gallery in Chelsea, inaccessible to the public except by a narrow corridor between the fence and the wall, which has been painted with towering figures of sinuous dancers, themselves depicted behind a painted fence. The show is titled ‘Paradise Lost’ and follows Ofili’s ‘The Caged Bird’s Song’ at London’s National Gallery, for which the artist alluded to the practice in his adopted home, Trinidad, of raising caged songbirds. Here, aggressive fencing suggests that it is not the song of the caged bird that is sweeter. (On view through Oct 21st).

Chris Ofili, installation view of ‘Paradise Lost’ at David Zwirner Gallery’s 533 West 19th Street space, Sept 2017.

Chris Ofili at the New Museum

At the beginning of his workday, British-born, Trinidad-based artist Chris Ofili experiments with watercolor and pencil drawings of his ‘Afromuses,’ imagined male and female characters that create a varied repertoire of inspirational characters. Seen here at Ofili’s New Museum exhibition, a selection of over 80 pieces showcases his quirky yet regal characters. (Through Jan 25th).

Chris Ofili, installation view of ‘Afromuses,’ at the New Museum, watercolor and pencil on paper, 1995-2005.