Julian Opie: Studio for Kids - National Gallery of Victoria - Melbourne - Review
A few weeks ago, Kate and her little ones visited Julian Opie: Studio for Kids at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). They enjoyed Julian’s individual style in both the main exhibition and the kids installation. If you’re in town, do checkout this great artist and have fun in the kids installation.
Julian Opie, one of Britain’s leading contemporary artists has been making portraits since the 1990s. Julian’s bold style sometimes has him reducing people he sees into simple shapes.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
In his main exhibition self titled Julian Opie which is currently at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Julian created a wide range of subjects specifically for the NGV spaces. In the central gallery, more than forty of the artist’s moving image works from 1993 to the present are on display.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
People are a key focus throughout the exhibition and Opie’s most recent works feature portraits and walking figures drawn straight from the streets of Melbourne.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
He also setup a city of skyscrapers which is currently taking over Federation Court from the floor to the glass roof. You will also see carps swimming behind the waterfall facade; some stone sheep grazing in the gardens and a crowd of sculptures of people walking have been placed in the lobby.
Photo credit @melbourneminor
The Julian Opie: Studio for Kids also at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), presents an interactive exhibition for families, featuring hands-on and digital activities developed by the NGV and the artist. In this studio, Julian Opie invites children (and adults) to create a portrait in a new way. Kids can try constructing a portrait using felt shapes or create a digital self-portrait using only line and colour.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Heads - The felt activity shows how just a few basic elements can come together to make a portrait. Children can also play with shape and colour to create a portrait using colourful felt pieces.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Julian Opie + Me - This digital activity is inspired by Julian’s earliest work and how he used to look at himself in the mirror when he first started to draw portraits. He used to close one eye and carefully trace his reflection using a felt tip pen. Inspired by Julian’s approach, the digital setup guides children step-by-step to create their own colourful portrait in the style of the artist. Finished portraits can be shared on social media for friends and family to enjoy. Kids will also see portraits by Julian Opie around the installation which might inspire them to create their own.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Busy City Kids were invited at the media preview of Julian Opie and Julian Opie: Studio for Kids for the purpose of a review. Both the main exhibition and kids installation are FREE entry. All opinions & feedback are genuine & truthful. Travel and food were self funded.
For more ideas of what to do with the kids in Melbourne, checkout our Website, our Daily Spots List, CBD Spots or Blog.