- 182.0 x 121.0 cm
The picture follows your choices: , .
Collectible Description
Chris Ofili’s ‘Popcorn Shells’ is a vibrant collage of musical icons and African art, layered with resin, glitter, and surprising elephant dung – a playful exploration of jazz history and culture. Discover this unique artwork and own a piece of contemporary art.
Read More
Artist Biography
A pioneer of punk art known for his provocative use of mixed media, Chris Ofili won the Turner Prize for works like The Holy Virgin Mary that challenge boundaries and invite a deeper look into cultural identity.
Hand Made Oil Reproduction
Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. (
Switch to Print Switch to Digital Image)
This Artwork Is Under Copyright Protection
The artwork displayed on this page is protected by copyright law, which means we cannot legally create or sell an identical reproduction. This protection is enforced under international agreements such as the Berne Convention and by national laws, including those outlined by the U.S. Copyright Law - Title 17.
As a respectful and legal alternative, we offer custom, hand-painted artworks inspired by the original. Our skilled and professional artists carefully study the original's style, mood, and artistic essence to create a new, unique piece that evokes the same feeling - while remaining an original creation in its own right.
This method fully complies with copyright regulations because it does not involve copying or duplicating the protected artwork. Instead, it is a creative reinterpretation - a new painting that is influenced by the original but not identical to it.
More about this painting
Preview
Send
Share
Details
Guide
Download
Similars
X-Ray
Diaporama
Q&A
StatsOrder your painting in four simple steps
Take your time. You can change any answer; the price in your order card follows each choice.
1 Step one of four
Which size would you like?
These sizes keep the proportions of the original painting. The drawing shows your choice on a wall, above a two-metre sofa.
Or give your own measurements
Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.
Type the width and the height you need, to fit your frame or your wall. This is hand-painted, so for a size with a different shape the artist can paint a bit more around the picture, or cut a bit — you choose. We send you a digital mockup to approve before the painting starts. The picture shown on this page does not show the real result — only the mockup does.
2 Step two of four
How should it be prepared: rolled, stretched or framed?
The prices below are for the size you chose in step one.
Choose the edges of the stretched canvas
Choose your frame
White $1
Blurside $1
Extended $1
P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8
H24-GOLD $30
H24-SILVER $30
H36-GOLD $45
H36-SILVER $45
Framed
Moulding: . Overall size with the frame: .
3 Step three of four
Would you like anything changed in the painting?
Most people answer no. Because each painting is made by hand, our artist can also adapt it for you.
After order, ArtsDot.com team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview
4 Step four of four
A few finishing options
All of them are optional. The answers already selected cost nothing extra.
Who paints it?
Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (5 November). No compromise on quality.
A nameplate, as in a museum?
Engraved Bronze Plaque Details
This elegant plaque features the artist's name and the title of the artwork, finely engraved for a timeless presentation.
It is made from bronze with a refined, elegant finish. The text is precisely laser-engraved for a sharp and permanent result. Measuring 9x2 cm, the plaque is compact yet easy to read. It's built to be durable and scratch-resistant, offering a professional, museum-quality look. Mounting is simple thanks to the included adhesive backing.
Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details
The plaque includes essential engraved details such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used-like oil on canvas or watercolor-a brief description of the piece, and a QR code that links to the complete artwork information.
It is crafted from clear acrylic, offering a sleek, modern appearance. The text is UV-engraved in black to ensure strong visual contrast. With a size of 10x15 cm, it ensures optimal readability. It comes equipped with two metal hooks for secure wall mounting. The plaque is designed to be weather-resistant, making it suitable for various environments, and it includes interactive features that work seamlessly with smartphone scanning.
Black Acrylic Plaque Details
This elegant plaque includes engraved information such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used (like oil on canvas or watercolor), a short description of the artwork, and a QR code for quick access to more information.
The plaque itself is made from refined black acrylic with a premium finish. The text is laser-engraved in white for high contrast and readability. Its size is 10x15 cm, designed to be easy to read. It comes with two metal hooks for professional mounting. The design is sleek and fits any interior style. It is also weather-resistant and durable, with built-in digital integration for mobile compatibility.
A protective varnish?
When do you need it?
✓ Check and order
Your painting, as you ordered it
Popcorn Shells
Reproduction Medium
Reproduction Size
-
Elite Senior Artist
More detail, finesse, and extra production time
-
Reproduction Frame
-
-
For artworks or reproductions larger than 105 cm (approximately 41 inches) on any side, the frame will be shipped as a kit, disassembled. This method ensures safe delivery and prevents damage during transport.
Professional assembly required - this is not a DIY product.
The kit must be assembled and the canvas stretched by an experienced professional framer, using wood glue (not supplied), a canvas stretching plier and clamps to hold the bars square while the glue dries. Incorrect assembly or uneven canvas tension can permanently damage the artwork and is not covered by our warranty.
For artworks or reproductions larger than 105 cm (approximately 41 inches) on any side, the frame will be shipped as a kit, disassembled. This method ensures safe delivery and prevents damage during transport.All solid wood bars are included, precisely cut to size.
Assembled with the screws provided, plus wood glue for the corner joints, which is not supplied and must be sourced by your framer.
Professional tools are required and not included: a canvas stretching plier (tensioner) and clamps to hold the bars square while the glue dries.
Important:
The corner joints require wood glue, the bars must be held with clamps until the glue is fully dry, and tightening the canvas on the assembled frame requires a canvas stretching plier. None of these are included in the kit. Please arrange an experienced professional framer before ordering this size.
Nameplate
-
-
Protective Varnish
Glossy Varnish (enhances colors, protects against light/moisture)
-
Customize My Artwork
Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.
-
Urgent
Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (5 November). No compromise on quality.
-
Express Shipping
Worldwide Delivery () in 5 weeks. (12 November).
Included
Total Price
$ 263
Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM
Included with every order
- Free Worldwide Express Shipping
- High-Quality Linen Canvas
- Full Shipping Insurance
- Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
- True Color Matching Guarantee
- 100-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
- 100% Money-Back Guarantee
- Bulk Discount Offer
Chris Ofili’s ‘Popcorn Shells’: A Symphony of Cultural Echoes
Chris Ofili's 'Popcorn Shells,' completed in 1995, is not merely a painting; it’s an immersive experience, a vibrant collision of musical history and decorative excess. Born from Ofili’s fascination with the evolution of jazz, hip hop, and black popular culture – a lineage he meticulously charts as a ‘family tree’ of musicians – the work immediately confronts the viewer with a layered complexity that demands attention. The painting's genesis lies in a deliberate mixing of influences, mirroring the very essence of jazz itself: a fusion of musical, cultural, and deeply personal narratives.
- A Collage of Icons: At its core, ‘Popcorn Shells’ is a meticulously constructed collage. The faces of iconic figures – Aretha Franklin dominates the composition with her prominent presence within a wreath of smaller heads – are interwoven with balls, circles, and other objects, creating a dynamic visual rhythm reminiscent of a jazz score.
- Technique & Materials: Ofili’s signature technique is immediately apparent; he employs layering photographic images alongside resin dots, glitter, and paint, building up textures that seem to vibrate with energy. The inclusion of elephant dung, sourced from London Zoo and meticulously lacquered with glittering resin, introduces a jarring element – a deliberate disruption of the decorative aesthetic, forcing a confrontation with uncomfortable truths about representation and consumption.
Symbolism & Cultural Context
The painting’s symbolism is rich and deliberately provocative. The use of ‘dung,’ a recurring motif in Ofili's work, transcends its literal presence as a prop; it represents a breakdown of conventional notions of beauty and value. It challenges the viewer to reconsider their own perceptions of art and culture, questioning the hierarchies that often dictate what is considered “high” or “low.” The scrapbook approach to history – a deliberate act of replaying familiar tunes in Ofili’s unique style – speaks to the cyclical nature of artistic influence and the ways in which cultural narratives are constantly being remade.
- Jazz as Inspiration: ‘Popcorn Shells’ directly engages with the legacy of jazz, a genre born from improvisation and cross-cultural exchange. Ofili's work echoes this spirit, celebrating the diverse influences that shaped the music while simultaneously critiquing its appropriation and commodification.
- Rauschenberg’s Influence: The artist’s biography reveals a clear lineage to Robert Rauschenberg, whose own pioneering use of collage and mixed media paved the way for Ofili's innovative approach. Both artists share a commitment to disrupting traditional artistic boundaries and challenging viewers to engage with art on multiple levels.
The Emotional Impact & Artistic Significance
'Popcorn Shells’ is a powerfully emotive work, simultaneously celebratory and unsettling. The sheer density of imagery – the faces, the balls, the glitter – creates an overwhelming sensory experience that reflects the chaotic energy of popular culture. It's a testament to Ofili's ability to synthesize disparate elements into a cohesive whole, creating a visual narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply moving. This piece stands as a significant contribution to contemporary art, pushing boundaries and prompting critical reflection on issues of race, representation, and the very nature of artistic creation.
- Dimensions: 182 x 121 cm
- Date: 1995
- Artist: Chris Ofili
Questions & Answers
Can I order an oil reproduction of "Popcorn Shells"?
Hand-painted copies of "Popcorn Shells" by Chris Ofili are sold on this website: a hand-painted oil reproduction on linen canvas, ordered from its Hand-Painted Reproduction page.
What technique and style characterize "Popcorn Shells" by Chris Ofili?
"Popcorn Shells" by Chris Ofili combines the acrylic on canvas technique with the Pop Art style. Technique and movement describe the making and the style of the work.
What stage of Chris Ofili's career does "Popcorn Shells" (1995) belong to?
"Popcorn Shells", created in 1995, belongs to the Mature Period of Chris Ofili's career.
Related Artworks
Chris Ofili
1968 - , United Kingdom
Artist Biography
A Tapestry of Identity and Provocation
Born in Manchester, United Kingdom, Chris Ofili emerged as a transformative force within the contemporary art landscape, weaving together disparate threads of culture, religion, and materiality. His heritage, rooted in his parents' Nigerian descent, serves as a profound foundation for an oeuvre that constantly negotiates the boundaries between the sacred and the profane. Through a practice often classified as punk art, Ofili has mastered the ability to confront the viewer with unsettling juxtapositions, using a signature vocabulary of materials that challenge traditional notions of beauty and value.
The artist's early development was shaped by his education at the Chelsea School of Art and the Royal College of Art, periods during which he began to refine a technique characterized by intense layering and textural complexity. His work often functions as a vibrant collision of worlds, where the aesthetics of Western painting traditions meet the rhythmic energy of hip-hop, jazz, and African art. By integrating unconventional elements such as resin, beads, glitter, and even lumps of elephant dung, Ofili creates surfaces that do not merely sit on a canvas but seem to vibrate with a life of their own.
The Alchemy of Materials and Symbolism
To encounter an Ofili painting is to enter a space of sensory overload and deep symbolic inquiry. He is renowned for his ability to use physical matter to evoke complex social and historical narratives. In works like Popcorn Shells, he meticulously charts a cultural lineage, creating a visual symphony that echoes the evolution of black popular culture. His use of resin dots and glittering surfaces creates a shimmering, decorative excess that simultaneously masks and reveals deeper, more jarring truths.
The inclusion of elephant dung, sourced from the London Zoo and lacquered with resin, remains one of his most discussed artistic choices. Far from being a mere shock tactic, this material serves as a potent symbol that bridges his connection to his Nigerian roots while disrupting the hierarchies of "high" and "low" art. This deliberate use of the grotesque forces a confrontation with themes of consumption, representation, and the breakdown of conventional aesthetic boundaries.
Legacy and Artistic Triumph
Ofili’s ascent within the international art community was marked by significant milestones that cemented his place in history. His recognition as a member of the Young British Artists group brought him to the forefront of a generation that redefined contemporary painting. A defining moment in his career arrived in 1998 when he was awarded the prestigious Turner Prize, an achievement that highlighted his ability to spark intense public debate through works such as The Holy Virgin Mary.
This particular piece, a radical reimagining of sacred iconography, utilized cut-outs from magazines and map pins to destabilize traditional religious imagery, proving his mastery over provocation and grace. Throughout his career, Ofili has continued to explore themes of social justice and historical truth, as seen in later works like Bending Over Backwards for Justice and Peace. His enduring significance lies in his ability to create a dialogue between tradition and rebellion, ensuring that his visual language remains as vital and challenging as the era in which he rose to prominence.
Related Articles
Giclée Prints: Archival Quality & Aesthetic Nuances for the Discerning Collector
Explore the world of giclée prints with ArtsDot. Learn about archival quality, aesthetic nuances & investment potential. Expert guidance for discerning art collectors seeking museum-quality reproductions and lasting value.
The Enduring Legacy of Woodblock Printmaking: Technique, History & Artistic Expression
Explore the rich history of woodblock printmaking – from ancient techniques to Ukiyo-e masterpieces. Discover expert insights on collecting, preserving & appreciating this enduring art form.
The Enduring Legacy of Printmaking: Techniques, Themes & Artistic Innovation Across Centuries
Explore the rich history of printmaking with ArtsDot. Discover techniques from intaglio to lithography, learn about collecting valuable prints & find museum-quality reproductions. Expert insights for art enthusiasts and collectors.