Julian Opie creates Winter at Alan Cristea Gallery

London visual artist Julian Opie presents his Winter exhibition at the Alan Cristea Gallery. Internationally recognised, Opie produces pleasant, light-hearted art for display in his hometown of London.

Despite having exhibited in major institutions and galleries nationally and internationally, Opie is not a household name. However, one might recognise his cover art for Blur’s Best Of album. Opie’s massive LED “walking” art has been showcased on Euston Road and in the City since last year. Recent projects have included a solo exhibition at Sakshi Gallery, Mumbai (2012), and group shows such as City Public Art Space, London (2012).

Displaying 75 new works to remind us all of the blistering winter we’ve plunged into, the Winter series follows on from Opie’s Summer works. The prints are an extension of Opie’s 2012 film Winter, and each piece represents one of 75 sequential steps on a circular winter walk through the French countryside.

The gallery tells us Opie’s chosen medium of lamination to glass “references the architectural use of glass generally within the public realm and specifically within Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5”. Each of the modern pieces is formed from a photograph personally taken by Opie, which is then drawn under and laminated to glass.

Opie’s central works take the limelight at the Alan Cristea Gallery, however, it is his less established art that moves us to love him. Much of Winter is 2D paintings of landscapes in the grip of winter. Cleverly painted, the images produce an impression of foggy, cold winter mornings. Creating images with cartoon effect, Opie has produced an exhibition of an animated winter landscape. 

Ashlea Griffith

Julian Opie: Winter is at the Alan Cristea Gallery until 16^th March 2013. For further information visit the gallery’s website here.