Saatchi Gallery will be the first and only UK gallery to participate in SAW 2023 along the iconic Marina Bay Sands waterfront, marking Philip Colbert’s first ever exhibition in Singapor
(London, UK) – From 6 – 15 January, Saatchi Gallery will present a first-of-its-kind pop-up installation at the 11th edition of Singapore Arts Week 2023 with internationally recognised British artist Philip Colbert. This must-see outdoor art installation will mark the first time Saatchi Gallery has participated in Singapore’s burgeoning art scene – the first and only UK gallery to do so. It also celebrates Philip Colbert’s first exhibition in Singapore, following widely successful exhibitions in neighbouring Asian countries.
The free-to-visit installation will include four sculpture commissions towering over 2 meters tall, and one over 3 metres. The stainless-steel painted sculptures will be on view along the iconic Marina Bay waterfront promenade as part of Singapore Art Week 2023.
Widely referred to as the ‘Godson of Andy Warhol’, Philip Colbert creates colourful cartoon-like sculptures as a representation of the artist’s own alter-ego. Colbert has created a global cult following for his cartoon lobster persona and his masterful hyper-pop history paintings. His work powerfully explores the patterns of contemporary digital culture and its relationship to a deeper art historical dialogue.
“This unique installation supports Saatchi Gallery’s charity mission to champion artist and render contemporary art accessible to all, bringing an incredible British artist like Philip, and his magnificent sculptures, into Singapore’s vibrant and exciting artistic landscape.” – Georgina Greenslade, Head of Communications & International Development at Saatchi Gallery.
“I’m very excited to be showing this series of sculptures in the iconic Marina Bay in Singapore, with the mix of water and the reflection of the cityscape there couldn’t be a better backdrop for the Lobster. Among the sculptures, there are a few works I’m showing for the first time. The Lobster Spam can & the Lobster painter. Singapore is a city I have been drawn to for a number of years and I am really happy to have collaborated with Saatchi gallery to bring this project to life. They have played an important part in my development as an artist and I’m excited to be collaborating with them again to realise this very ambitious sculptural project.” Philip Colbert, artist.
“I’m very excited to be showing this series of sculptures in the iconic Marina Bay in Singapore, with the mix of water and the reflection of the cityscape there couldn’t be a better backdrop for the Lobster. Among the sculptures, there are a few works I’m showing for the first time. The Lobster Spam can & the Lobster painter. Singapore is a city I have been drawn to for a number of years and I am really happy to have collaborated with Saatchi gallery to bring this project to life. They have played an important part in my development as an artist and I’m excited to be collaborating with them again to realise this very ambitious sculptural project.” Philip Colbert, artist.
Singapore Art Week 2023 includes over 130 art events across the island and online, featuring new works and transnational collaborations including with Saatchi Gallery. In addition, virtual art experiences will enable audiences all over the world to access and discover the exciting art community in Singapore and beyond. The collaboration between Saatchi Gallery and Singapore Art Week supports Saatchi’s charitable mission to champion artists and render contemporary art accessible to all. Singapore’s signature visual arts season represents the unity and pride of a diverse and vibrant arts community. Its 11th edition will celebrate the practices of Singapore artists with an eclectic mix of online and physical visual arts programmes and experiences across the island.
Audiences all over the world can access and discover the exciting art in Singapore’s arts and cultural institutions and beyond, or engage in enriching discussions, talks, public art walks and tours. A catalyst of creativity, Singapore Art Week continues to be a spotlight, gathering and launchpad for the arts community in Singapore.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
For press inquiries, please contact: Georgina Greenslade gee@saatchigallery.com I +44 (0)20 7811 3075
Located on Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade, 018940. Public Admission is Free.
About Saatchi Gallery
Since 1985, Saatchi Gallery has provided an innovative platform for contemporary art. Exhibitions have presented works by largely unseen young artists, or by international artists whose work has been rarely or never exhibited in the UK. This approach has made the Gallery one of the most recognised names in contemporary art. Since moving to its current 70,000 square feet space in the Duke of York’s Headquarters in Chelsea, London, the Gallery has welcomed over 10 million visitors. The Gallery hosts thousands of school visits annually and has over 6 million followers on social media. In 2019 Saatchi Gallery became a charity, beginning a new chapter in its history. www.saatchigallery.com
Registered Charity Number: 1182328
Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 4RY
ABOUT PHILIP COLBERT
Born in Scotland, Colbert lives and works in London. After graduating with an MA in Philosophy from St. Andrews University, Colbert’s work has received international acclaim in museums and galleries worldwide for his energetic new approach to painting and pop theory. Following on from early Pop painters such as Richard Hamilton, Roy Lichtenstein and James Rosenquist, Colbert’s paintings cross high art themes from old master paintings and contemporary art theory with everyday symbols of mass contemporary culture, all narrated through the eyes of Colbert’s cartoon Lobster alter ego. “I became an artist when I became a Lobster,” Philip Colbert.
Visit: www.philipcolbert.com
Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook: @philipcolbert
ABOUT SINGAPORE ART WEEK 2023
As Singapore’s signature visual arts season, Singapore Art Week (SAW) represents the unity and pride of a diverse and vibrant arts community in Singapore.
From 6 to 15 January 2023, SAW 2023 will present an array of over 130 art events featuring new works and transnational collaborations across the island and online. In its 11th edition, the ten-day celebration of the visual arts will showcase two dynamic art fairs, S.E.A. Focus and the inaugural ART SG; two highlight commissions are the homecoming presentation of Pulp III: A Short Biography of the Banished Book at the recent 59th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia and the Singapore Biennale; as well as a vibrant Light to Night in the Civic District. SAW is a nexus for creative collaborations and audiences can look forward to an exciting line-up of art experiences at our museums, galleries, independent art spaces and public spaces, and enjoy enriching discussions, talks, walks and tours.
SAW 2023, a celebration of Singapore’s vibrant art landscape, is helmed by the National Arts Council (NAC).