A selection of recent work by Los Angeles-based artist Julian Pace. Entirely self-taught, Pace’s pop-historical portraits reflect his experiences living in Florence, where he was based for six years, New York, and his current home of Los Angeles. His work is populated by behemoths of art history, pop culture and sports, as well as more niche characters and personal friends. His subjects’ imposing shoulders and reputations might loom over the viewer, but their expressions and Pace’s careful color choices often convey a more nuanced intimacy. Whether the person he is focusing on is a casual acquaintance or an icon, he treats each subject with a balance of reverence and familiarity.

See more from Julian Pace below!