This work by Chris Ofili is part of a limited print run by notable contemporary British Artists that were commissioned to commemorate the 2012 London Olympic games.

Ofili was born in Manchester in the late 60s, and by the age of 30 he became the first Black artist to win the prestigious Turner Prize. His wider art practice is notably inspired by Hip Hop and Jazz as he sees these types of music as celebrations of Black culture, with references to Blackness permeating through much of his work.

The body in this work dissolves into the space around it in some parts and reaffirms its distinctness with bold black strokes in others. Its strength is articulated by its ability to present both. The figure’s race and gender are ambiguous – the unknown runner.

The image encases the figure in a vase, a reference to the Ancient Olympic games that were not only a chance to gain sporting achievements, but also a space for art and culture to be valued.

This work was included in the PITCH BLACK digital Black History tours of the National Museum Wales collections.