Name: Winter Landscape
Brand: Julian Opie
Rating: 4.9 (197 reviews)

Auction Date

Auction House

Artwork

Hammer Price

Return to Seller

Buyer Paid

January 2020

Forum Auctions London - United Kingdom

Winter Landscape - Signed Print

July 2014

Christie's New York - United States

Winter Landscape - Signed Print

Meaning & Analysis

Winter Landscape is a screen print by Julian Opie from 2003 that shows a simplistic rendering of a winter scene. The print features five fir trees depicted in dark green, set against white snowy ground and a blue mountainous backdrop.

Consisting of basic line and monotone blocks of colour in geomatic forms, this print like many of Opie’s works has the homogenous appearance of public signage and commercial logos. Winter Landscape is representative of Opie’s interest in engaging with traditional art historical genres like landscape painting and producing a 21st century version of the subject through his use of computer technology.

Opie has produced landscape prints and paintings throughout his career, one of his most famous being There Are Hills in the Distance (1996). His 1996 work was carried out by professional sign painters, following Opie’s instructions, making clear the way in which the artist wished to challenge traditional notions of art and artist through the genre of landscape. The use of post-industrial modes of production in designing and presenting his works, Opie’s processes expose the potentially dehumanising effects of computer-based technology.

Julian Opie's Winter Landscape (signed) from 2003 is a screenprint estimated to be worth between £3,000 to £4,450. With only 2 sales at auction to date, the first of which was in July 2014, this artwork is a unique find. The hammer price has consistently been £3,000, as seen in the most recent sale on 21st January 2020. Sellers have enjoyed an average return of £2,550. The edition size of this artwork is limited to 50, making it a special addition to any collection.
Julian Opie, born in 1958, dances through the contemporary art scene with a distinctive digital allure. A trailblazer of the 1980s New British Sculpture movement, Opie's work is a highly stylised blend of Pop Art and minimalism which navigates the intersection of technology and visual expression. From his early experiments with computer-generated art to his iconic portraits and animated installations, Opie's work exudes a captivating simplicity. His signature style, marked by bold lines and reduced forms, is internationally recognisable and has made him a key player in British contemporary art.