Julian Opie (born 1958) is a contemporary British artist.

Julian Opie was born in London. He is a graduate of Goldsmiths College (1979-82) and achieved some early gallery success, which was an incentive for slightly younger artists in the same college, such as Damien Hirst to do likewise.

His work figurative and is characterised by black outlines with flat areas of colour, and minimalised detail, to the extent that an eye can become a just the black circle of the pupil, and sometimes a head is represented by a circle with a space where the neck would be.

He has also used computer technology to cut out the outlines and coloured shapes, sometimes on vinyl, as in large display banners at Tate Britain.

He is successful artist who exhibits internationally. An album cover for Blur brought his work to a wider audience.

He is a trustee of the Tate Gallery.

He has a studio and workshop in Shoreditch, London.

Awards

• 2001 Music Week CADS, Best Illustration for "Best of Blur"
• 1995-96 Residency at the Atelier Calder in Saché, France
• 1995 Sargant Fellowship at the British School in Rome

External links

• Julian Opie official site
• Best of Blur cover image by Julian Opie
• Guide to doing your own pop-art, Julian Opie inspired artwork

Living people | British artists | Contemporary artists | Alumni of Goldsmiths College

Julian Opie