Chris Ofili
Calypso, 2018
Suite of 7 etchings with title page and colophon, in a portfolio box
15 x 11 1/4 inches
Edition of 20
Calypso, 2018
Suite of 7 etchings with title page and colophon, in a portfolio box
15 x 11 1/4 inches
Edition of 20
Calypso, 2018
Suite of 7 etchings with title page and colophon, in a portfolio box
15 x 11 1/4 inches
Edition of 20
Calypso, 2018
Suite of 7 etchings with title page and colophon, in a portfolio box
15 x 11 1/4 inches
Edition of 20
Calypso, 2018
Suite of 7 etchings with title page and colophon, in a portfolio box
15 x 11 1/4 inches
Edition of 20
Calypso, 2018
Suite of 7 etchings with title page and colophon, in a portfolio box
15 x 11 1/4 inches
Edition of 20
Calypso, 2018
Suite of 7 etchings with title page and colophon, in a portfolio box
15 x 11 1/4 inches
Edition of 20
Calypso (Title Page), 2018
Suite of 7 etchings with title page and colophon, in a portfolio box
15 x 11 1/4 inches
Edition of 20
Calypso (Colophon), 2018
Suite of 7 etchings with title page and colophon, in a portfolio box
15 x 11 1/4 inches
Edition of 20
Inspired in part by the music of the island of Trinidad, where Ofili has lived since 2005, the artist has reimagined the story of Calypso from Homer's Odyssey. Calypso, who is traditionally represented as a deceptive femme fatale, is reimagined in this suite of etchings as a striking mermaid. Odysseus takes the form of an artist, from whose brush the mermaid emerges in a dream-like array of bubbles and droplets. As the two figures become lovingly intertwined, the couple's passion is evoked through delicate lines and lush compositions.
Ofili’s representation of the figures was inspired by Emily Wilson’s recent translation of Homer’s ancient text. Notable for being the first translation of the poem into English by a woman, Wilson's translation thoughtfully reconsiders the portrayal of the epic’s female characters.