‘Godson of Andy Warhol’, Philip Colbert, the iconic contemporary pop artist is unleashing his ‘lobstars’ on Brighton.
Helm Gallery, Brighton’s largest space for contemporary art, is proud to present PHILIP COLBERT – PRINTS AND EDITIONS, the first-ever showcase of collectable lobster prints and sculptures from the 21st Century Pop Art star Philip Colbert.
Described as ‘the crown prince of pop art’ by painter David Hockney and ‘the godson of Andy Warhol’ by the late editor-at-large of Vogue, André Leon Talley; Colbert has been hailed by leading figures such as Charles Saatchi and Simon de Pury as the most exciting contemporary pop master since Roy Lichenstein.
Hot on the heels of his latest Saatchi show, featuring monumental retro-futuristic oil paintings and sculptures in steel and marble, the much-in-demand British artist is thrilled to be launching this series of collectible works.
Taking over Helm Gallery’s Exhibition Hall, the space will be filled never-before-seen exclusive prints of some of his most loved works, and visitors will for the first time be able to view and own works such as his iconic ‘battle scene’ pieces in print form.
Open until 26 January, this exhibition will be a rare opportunity for art aficionados and Colbert fans to acquire not only these prints, but also the last few sculptures from the ‘Lobstar Collectables’ series, in addition to a brand-new sculpture, toys, books and merchandise.
Colbert is a true 21st Century Pop Art star and has over the past decade continued to take the artworld by storm. Known for his cartoon lobster persona, his work combines contemporary art-theory with themes from old master paintings – channelling it through iconic symbols of everyday culture. His work encompasses a broad medium of paintings, large-scale projects, sculptural works and NFTs – all narrated through his Lobster alter ego. His fascination for old master paintings and contemporary art theory has seen Colbert go so far as to fashion his own ‘lobstar’ language alongside his hyper-real visual symbolism, being as he says “constantly drawn to symbols which have the power to communicate a bit like Egyptian hieroglyphs.” The result is a visual syntax that is as razor sharp as it is playful.
Colbert shot to meteoric fame with his Lobster persona, expressed first through traditional mediums such as painting and sculpture, however his practice is continuously evolving, pushing the boundaries of how and where we experience his art – going so far as to launch Lobsteropolis, a virtual city complete with its own museum, built in the metaverse.
Colbert’s work has received international excitement for his energetic new approach to painting and pop theory. His practice forces you to expect the unexpected and provides the most revitalising take on pop-art in recent memory. Colbert has created a global following for his cartoon lobster persona and his masterful hyper pop history paintings. His work fearlessly explores the patterns of contemporary digital culture and its relationship to a deeper art historical dialogue.
The much in demand British artist is thrilled to be bringing this series of collectible works to audiences in Brighton. Helm Gallery – a space just one year old yet already making huge waves both in the UK and abroad (having just shown another contemporary art star, Slawn, in Miami) – seemed the perfect location for this exciting showcase.
