Following its popular debut in 2018, Julian Opie: Studio for Kids returns to NGV International this summer, opening on 3 December. The free exhibition presents a digital portrait-making activity inviting children and families to create their own artwork in the distinctive and bold style of British pop-artist Julian Opie.
In 2022-23, Julian Opie: Studio for Kids is being presented as part of NGV’s Freedom of Movement: Contemporary Art and Design from the NGV Collection, a new exhibition that celebrates a decade of acquiring significant works of contemporary art and design for the NGV Collection.
The multimedia studio experience designed especially for creative minds of all ages, will begin with a tutorial on how to draw in Opie’s unique style using only line and colour to create a digital portrait, which can then be shared with family and friends.
Inspired by Julian Opie’s London studio where the artist works surrounded by his personal art collection, visitors to Julian Opie: Studio for Kids can view a display of Julian Opie works from the NGV Collection, Ali 2009, Elena rolling her eyes 2015, and Imogen smiling 2015.
Julian Opie’s celebrated minimalist approach to painting, sculpture and film has influenced the wider field of art and pop-culture since he began his career in the early 1980s. Referencing pop-art and modernist techniques, Opie’s works are instantly recognisable and reference changes in culture and technology.
Kate Ryan, Curator of Children’s Programs, NGV, said, ‘The free NGV kids exhibitions have become an important part of the NGV’s year-round program, providing engaging experiences of art and design to the Gallery’s youngest visitors and their families. We are thrilled to welcome new audiences to experience this exhibition and foster creativity through Opie’s unique style’.
Julian Opie: Studio for Kids was originally developed by Opie in collaboration with NGV for his major exhibition Julian Opie in 2018.
Julian Opie: Studio for Kids will be on display from 3 December 2022 – 10 April 2023 at NGV International. Free. For more information visit the NGV website: NGV.MELBOURNE
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