Julian Opie

JULIAN OPIE (London, 1958).
“Julian and Suzanne Walking,” 2006.
3D lenticular postcard.
Produced for one of the artist’s exhibitions at the Phoenix Art Museum in Arizona.
Edition unknown.
Published by the Phoenix Art Museum, Arizona, 2006 (framed).
Provenance: Phoenix Art Museum, Arizona; Private Collection, UK.
Measurements: 15 x 10 cm.

Opie began his artistic training by studying at Goldsmiths, University of London, where he graduated in 1982. As one of the most artistically significant institutions—the birthplace of the Ybas—it was there that Opie trained under the guidance of the renowned painter and conceptual artist Craig Martin. Opie has exhibited nationally and internationally at major institutions and galleries. Notable among his solo exhibitions are those at the National Gallery of Victoria (2018/19), the Sakshi Gallery in Mumbai (2012), the Lisson Gallery in Milan (2011); the Institut Valencià d’Art Modern in Valencia (2010), the Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna (2008), City Hall Park (Public Art Fund) in New York (2004), and the Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus in Munich (1999).His themes have been described as “a commitment to art history, the use of new technologies, an obsession with the human body,” and “working with an idea across different media.” The artist has reflected on his work: “I often feel that trying to make something realistic is the only criterion I can be fairly certain of. Another criterion I sometimes use is, ‘Would I like to have it in my room?’ And occasionally I use the idea: ‘If God allowed you to show Him a portrait to judge you by, would it really be this one?’ Today, his work is found in major collections, both private and public. His work can be found at the Portrait Gallery in London, the Tate, the Museum of Modern Art in New York (MoMA), the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Arts Council, and the British Council in London; the ICA in Boston, the Essl Collection in Vienna, the IVAM in Spain; the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, and the Takamatsu City Art Museum in Japan.