Julian Opie

Julian Opie (b. 1958, London, UK) lives and works in London, where he studied at Goldsmiths College under Michael Craig-Martin, graduating in 1983. Opie’s multidisciplinary practice spans painting, sculpture, animation and digital media, focusing on themes of identity, movement and the abstraction of the human form.

For over three decades, Opie has explored the intersection of the figurative and the abstract, becoming known for his iconic graphic portraits and stylised depictions of the human body, as well as buildings, animals and landscapes, both man-made and natural. His works distil complex human actions and figures into bold, simplified shapes, capturing movement and expression in a way that balances clarity with a deep narrative quality. His art often examines how figures can be reduced to their essential characteristics, creating imagery that is both accessible and enigmatic.

Opie’s practice frequently engages with public space, employing materials and aesthetics associated with signage, advertising and graphic design. This approach challenges conventional boundaries between fine art and the everyday, inviting viewers to reconsider the relationship between art, functionality and the urban environment. By blurring these distinctions, Opie’s work integrates into the fabric of public and commercial life, making it both familiar and thought-provoking.

Opie has presented numerous solo exhibitions at major institutions worldwide. Recent solo shows include: La Llotja, Palma (2024); La Nau Cultural Centre, Valencia (2021); Museu Coleção Berardo, Lisbon (2020); F1963, Busan (2018); National Gallery Victoria, Melbourne (2018); and Fosun Foundation, Shanghai (2017), among others.

His works form part of significant public collections including Tate; the British Museum; the Victoria and Albert Museum, London; the Museum of Modern Art, New York; the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam; the Israel Museum, Jerusalem; and the Takamatsu City Museum of Art, Japan, among others.