Julian Opie

Born in London in 1958, Julian Opie studied at Goldsmiths College, London, from 1979 to 1982, where he was taught by conceptual artist and painter Michael Craig-Martin. 

Celebrated for his minimalist and highly distinctive style, he emerged as an influential figure in the British art scene of the 1980s. Opie’s work simplifies human figures into geometric forms and bold outlines, making his work instantly recognisable. 

Portraits and animated walking figures, rendered with minimal detail in black line drawing, are hallmarks of the artist’s style. 

His graphic portrait style and use of computer-aided design have enabled him to combine the fields of contemporary art, technology and commercial design. In 2000, he was commissioned to design the album cover for British band Blur’s ‘Best Of’ album, and in 2006, he created an LED projection for U2's Vertigo world tour. Opie also has a permanent digital sculpture outside the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin. 

Now regarded as one of Britain’s most collectable artists, Opie has gained international recognition with exhibitions at major institutions such as the Tate Modern, the Louvre, and the Venice Biennale. 

His work is held in the permanent collections of prestigious museums worldwide including the Museum of Modern Art, New York; the British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, London; and the Institute of Contemporary Arts, Boston.