‘I became an artist when I became a lobster,’ was something artist Philip Colbert – variously described as ‘the Crown Prince of pop art’ and ‘the godson of Andy Warhol’ – once said. Now, the modern world of Colbert will transcend the pandemic and be showcased at the Saatchi Gallery on Duke of York Square – where it can be viewed both in real life and virtually.
Forget the pre-made video footage of former virtual exhibitions – this will be tailored to the individual with automated gallery robots that can zip between the artworks, navigated by yourself and you can linger long as you like, dictated by your interest in the works. ‘E-visitors’ will be able to move about the gallery via their smartphone or computer and zoom into the various details of Colbert’s modern, psychedelic paintings, bronzes and marble pieces.
The exhibition, called Lobsteropolis, will be Colbert’s biggest showcase to date, and in a world first, the private view will be robot-lead. Like the greatest pop artists – Richard Hamilton and Roy Lictchenstien are two Colbert favours – the show will interrogate mass consumerism and make nods to contemporary culture and history.
The lobster is Colbert’s alter ego – and as the exhibition’s name suggests, is omnipresent through his work. He says: ‘Lobsteropolis is a vision of a sci-fi future where, due to lockdowns, we have robot selves who can go and explore the physical world, while we remain indoors’. Which is exactly what he brings to life here; stimulated through the isolation brought about due to the pandemic and a desire for a ‘lockdown-proof concept’.
As for the art, a giant inflatable lobster in the Duke of York square is what you’ll encounter first – then, inside the gallery, expect classical sculpture reinterpreted in emoji-lobster form, comic book sound effects and Warhol like prints. Colbert, who has been lauded by the likes of David Hockney as a contemporary pop master, will not disappoint in his characteristically zany, lobster-filled show – that regardless of tier, will be available to view.
Philip Colbert’s Lobsteropolis will be presented by Unit London at Saatchi Gallery, from 28 October to 1 December
