- Elephant dung
- Beads
- Glitter
- Collage
- Paint
Ofili is known for his use of unorthodox materials, which he often combines to create intricate and textured surfaces. His work is often political and social in nature, and he has addressed issues such as race, class, and colonialism.
* Elephant dung: Ofili's most famous works are his "dung paintings," which are made with a mixture of elephant dung and acrylic paint. He began using elephant dung in his work in the early 1990s, when he was living in Zimbabwe. Ofili has said that he was drawn to elephant dung because of its "primal" and "universal" qualities. He also likes the way that elephant dung changes color and texture as it dries, creating a sense of movement and spontaneity.
* Beads: Ofili's work is also known for its use of beads. He often uses beads to create patterns and designs on his surfaces. The beads can be seen as a reference to African art and culture, or as a way to add a sense of luxury and decoration to his work.
* Glitter: Ofili also uses glitter in his work. Glitter can be seen as a way to add a sense of glamour and sparkle to his work, or as a way to reflect light and create a sense of movement.
* Collage: Ofili often uses collage in his work. He may collage images from magazines, newspapers, or other sources. Collage can be used to create a sense of narrative or to juxtapose different elements in a surprising way.
* Paint: Ofili also uses paint in his work. He often uses paint to create backgrounds or to add details to his collages. Paint can be used to create a sense of depth or to unify different elements in a composition.
Ofili's use of these materials is part of what makes his work so unique and memorable. He combines these materials in unusual ways to create works of art that are both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating.