Mechanic, 2018

Opie’s practice is rooted in experimentation with media and technique. He employs drawing, LED panels, vinyl, sculpture, painting, and digital animation, constantly pushing the boundaries of how images can be created and experienced. His portraits simplify facial features to their essential elements, yet remain remarkably expressive, while his moving figures evoke both ancient friezes and modern signage. This fusion of classical influence and contemporary technology has made Opie’s work both timeless and unmistakably of the present moment. His public installations in cities such as London, Seoul, and Boston further demonstrate his ability to engage broad audiences with artworks that are at once playful, elegant, and conceptually refined.

From a collecting standpoint, Julian Opie remains a highly sought-after contemporary artist. His prints and editions offer an accessible entry point into his distinctive world, while his LED works and sculptures continue to attract strong institutional and private demand. The consistency of his market, the recognisability of his style, and his sustained presence in major exhibitions ensure his position as a significant figure in the contemporary art landscape.