Julian Opie at Art Field Nanhai Guangdong 2024, Foshan, China

27 November 2024

Julian Opie's sculpture White Hat. (2023) is now on view at the Art Field Nanhai Guangdong 2024, against the picturesque backdrop of Tingyin Lake in Nanhai Disctrict, Foshan City, China. Themed 'Be Like Water', the art festival showcases 95 projects and over 200 artworks created by 194 artists from 30 countries.

A central motif of Julian Opie's work is the human figure, whether depicted running, posing, dancing or walking, alone or in crowded cities. These portraits reflect the artist's preoccupation with exploring the very nature of representation and the means by which it is perceived and understood. His works are instantly recognisable, bearing the mark of homogeneity - each subject with their familiar accessories or ways of standing - yet carrying within them a certain transience from capturing a precise moment in time. Each figure is entirely unique, through their clothes, expressions, their way of moving and the things they are holding. His figures seem to be positioned deep within their ownworld, seemingly unaffected by the commotion around them.

Art Field Nanhai Guangdong 2024 runs through 12 February 2025.

Shown here: Julian Opie, White Hat., 2023, Installation view at Art Field Nanhai Guangdong 2024, Nanhai District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province, China (16 November 2024 - 12 February 2024) © Julian Opie