Los Angeles based painter Julian Pace is an artist you need to look out for. His approach to figure drawing is one we've admired for some time, and any painting of Ronaldo or Batistuta in abstract compositions is a winner in our book.

Julian's work makes you both smile as much it does remind you of the power or presence of the player he features. Altered proportion that takes you back to the moment he aims to capture.

We caught up with one of our favourite artists for 2024 to find out more about the artist, (originally from Seattle, USA) to see how his father's origins from Florence, and time spent between Italy and the US, have influenced his creative output.

 

Cult Kits: OK, so first things first – Who's your team and do you have a favourite player?

Julian Pace: My Dad is from Florence so I was always a supporter of Fiorentina, but honestly, I haven't been following them closely for years. Growing up my favourite player was Ronaldo. at least that's who I always tried to emulate the most when I played.

Shop ALL Fiorentina shirts here.

 

"I'm always working on a bunch of things at once, I'm playing with some new bricolage sculptures of cars and airplanes, but primarily these large soccer figure paintings. I'm calling them figures in space."

 

 

CK: Can you describe or define your style of work?

JP: I'm not sure how i would explain my style. I'll leave that to the viewer to define...

CK:  When did you first realise you loved to paint and draw?

JP: I've been drawing since I was a wee boy. It’s the only thing that's been constant throughout my life.

 

 

CK: What first influenced you in terms of style and creative process?

JP: Probably my Aunt Lisa and my Grandma. They always did drawing and artsy things with me and I think instilled a sense of not taking myself too seriously. Later on my high school art teacher, who taught me about Egon Schiele, Chuck Close, and others and I think that had a big influence on me too. My creative process has sort of organically grown over time. 

CK: What do you love to paint and draw the most?

JP: That really depends on the day. I might dive into anything that sparks my interest, currently I'm really loving cars, still lifes and these soccer (sorry) players which I guess is how you found me.

 

 

CK: Tell us about some of your current projects/work in the making?

JP: I'm always working on a bunch of things at once, I'm playing with some new bricolage sculptures of cars and airplanes, but primarily these large soccer figure paintings. I'm calling them figures in space.

CK: What have you got planned for 2024, anything exciting?

JP: I have some shows im working on for this year.

 

 

 

CK: Do you have a favourite or standout football shirt?

JP: Man that's a tough one, I couldn't pick one... Fiorentina 96-97 and 98-99, Arsenal 95-96 away is very cool. Aston Villa 93 away and most of the 98 World Cup kits to name a few and not even in that order.

CK: We're with a lot of them to be honest, some fine choices!
... What other artists do you admire? 

JP: So many. Ken Taylor, Reynaga, Tyler Macko, Matt Groening, Gary Larson, Pablo Picasso. To only name a few.

 CK: If you could work/collaborate with anyone who would that be?

JP: Cult kits

CK: Let's do it! This needs to happen immediately.

JP: Say the word baby!

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You can view more Julian's work here.