b. 1958, UK; lives and works in London
The work of Julian Opie is known throughout the world. His distinctive formal language is instantly recognisable and reflects his artistic preoccupation with the idea of representation, and the means by which images are perceived and understood. Taking influence from classical portraiture, Egyptian hieroglyphs and Japanese woodblock prints, as well as public signage, information boards, and traffic signs, the artist connects the clean visual language of modern life with the fundamentals of art history.
He has exhibited in major museums and galleries around the world, as well as participating in the Delhi Triennial, Venice Biennial, and Documenta. Permanent public artworks can be seen in Hong Kong, London, Luxembourg, Taipei, Calgary, and Indianapolis. His works are included in many public art collections, among them Tate and National Portrait Gallery in London; MoMA in New York; The Israel Museum in Jerusalem; and Takamatsu City Museum of Art in Japan.