Viewing Julian Opie: Collected Works/ Works Collected


If you’ve not yet been to Newlands House now’s the time to hop on a train south. Locatea beautiful Georgian townhouse in the charming town of Petworth, the gallery stages exhibitions centred on great artists of the 20th century. Now’s the turn of British artist Julian Opie.

Collected Works/ Works Collected brings together over 100 objects from Opie’s personal collection, ranging from Ancient Greek and Roman statutory, to Egyptian sarcophagi, manga sketches and contemporary pieces by the likes of Kara Walker. It also includes a curated selection of Opie’s own sculptures, paintings and films made over the past 20 years.

The dynamic, cross-category display shows the ways in which Opie’s interests as a collector have influenced his practice as an artist. ‘When I am stuck for decisions, I get up and look at some other art and find a solution right there,’ Opie has said. ‘The work of others pushes me beyond what I know and assume, it suggests new logics and approaches and makes me feel not so alone in this strange endeavour.’

Among the highlights on display are Opie’s animated LCD portrait Ruth smoking 2 (2006) and his recent metal sculptures Deer 2 and Dog 4 (2020), which are installed in the garden alongside Yoko XIX (2006) by Don Brown. Also featured in the exhibition are portraits by Joshua Reynolds and George Romney, medieval armour, prehistoric Native American tapestry and original Studio Ghibli (anime) prints.

Perfect for your next day trip from London!