He received his BA in Fine Art from the Chelsea School of Art in 1991 and his MA in Fine Art from the Royal College of Art in 1993.

His artistic style is distinctive, characterized by complex and playful multi-layered compositions adorned with a signature combination of resin, glitter, collage, and elephant dung. Inspired by the lush landscapes and rich traditions of Trinidad, his home since 2005, Ofili's artwork emanates a vivid and symbolic quality, often veiled in an air of mystery. Drawing from a diverse range of aesthetic and cultural influences, including Zimbabwean cave paintings and modernist art, his creations delve into explorations of identity and representation.

In 1998, Ofili was awarded the prestigious Turner Prize. In 2003, he was selected to represent the UK at the 50th Venice Biennale, further solidifying his position in the art world. In 2010, Tate Britain showcased a comprehensive retrospective of his artistic achievements. Four years later, the New Museum in New York hosted "Night and Day," an exhibition that highlighted over thirty of Ofili's most significant paintings, complemented by drawings and a curated collection of sculptures spanning his illustrious career. This exceptional showcase later embarked on a journey to the Aspen Art Museum in Colorado during 2015. Since then, he has continued to exhibit his work in renowned international art institutions, leaving an indelible mark on the contemporary art scene.

The artist’s works are represented in prominent collections internationally, including The British Museum, London; Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; The Museum of Modern Art, New York; National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa; Tate, London; Victoria and Albert Museum, London; and the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota.