We Swam Amongst The Fishes 2
We Swam Amongst The Fishes 2
Signed Print
Julian Opie
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Medium: Screenprint
Edition size: 160
Year: 2003
Size: H 75cm x W 70cm
Signed: Yes
Format: Signed Print
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Auction Results
| Auction Date | Auction House | Location | Hammer Price | Return to Seller | Buyer Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 2022 | Rosebery's Fine Art Auctioneers | United Kingdom | |||
| April 2017 | Sotheby's Online | United Kingdom | |||
| October 2015 | Tennants Auctioneers | United Kingdom | |||
| September 2013 | Sotheby's Online | United Kingdom | |||
| July 2013 | Bonhams New Bond Street | United Kingdom |
Meaning & Analysis
Taken from Julian Opie’s We Swam Amongst The Fishes series from 2003, We Swam Amongst The Fishes 2 shows an underwater scene of various species of fish. Rendered in Opie’s bold, graphic style, the fish swimming across the picture plane are depicted in thick, dark outlines and set against a flattened blue backdrop.
We Swam Amongst The Fishes 2 has an all-over composition that is arbitrary in its cropping and creates the effect of a graphic pattern. Despite the flattened picture plane and use of thick, graphic lines, the image exudes a sense of realism in the way it captures the movement of the fish through the water, provoking familiarity within the viewer. The realism of Opie’s style mixed with his strong sense of line, and bold use of simplified shapes is indicative of the way he strikes a balance between graphic design and high art.
Inspired by a trip to Bali, this series is unusual for Opie in terms of subject matter but is representative of the artist’s desire to capture the world around him. Throughout his oeuvre Opie has worked from photographs taken on holidays, the streets of London and everyday life which are then reworked through new computer technology to form highly stylised and colourful prints.
