Born in London, Isaac Julien studied at Saint Martin's School of Art, where he became a key figure in the Black British independent film movement of the 1980s. He rose to international attention with his 1989 film Looking for Langston, which utilized poetic, non-linear narratives to examine the Harlem Renaissance.

Julien’s practice is defined by the use of immersive, multi-screen video installations that blend documentary, dance, and experimental cinema. His work frequently investigates the intersection of cultural history and geography, often focusing on figures such as Langston Hughes, Frantz Fanon, and Frederick Douglass to interrogate post-colonial identity.

Currently serving as a Distinguished Professor of the Arts at the University of California, Santa Cruz, Julien continues to be a major presence in global contemporary art. His work is held in the collections of major institutions worldwide and is frequently featured in international biennials and major museum surveys.