Philip Colbert, often referred to as the “godson of Andy Warhol”, has an iconic alter ego – a lobster. His work (and his lobster alter-ego) features cartoon-like imagery, exploring the convergence of art, modern culture and consumerism. You can buy Colbert’s art here at Grove Gallery for as little as £17,000.
Philip Colbert moved from Scotland to the streets of London to pursue his art – and quickly became one of the leading voices in contemporary art with his signature blend of pop culture and surrealism. Often described as the “godson of Andy Warhol,” Colbert’s art draws on the legacy of pop art while incorporating his own twist. His work is easily recognisable – simply look out for the iconic lobster alter ego!
Colbert’s journey into the art world began through his studies in philosophy, which continue to inform the conceptual depth behind his bright, cartoon-like imagery. His works often reference iconic elements of art history while juxtaposing them with the symbols of modern-day consumerism – for example, fast food, technology, and mass media. This mix of high and low culture is at the heart of Colbert’s art.
Philip Colbert Art FAQs
Why does Philip Colbert dress as a lobster?
Colbert's alter ego is a lobster for many reasons. First of all, he was fascinated with lobsters as a child in Scotland, and lobsters can symbolise mortality (combined with a cartoon-like silliness). He stated, "I became an artist when I became a Lobster," so the birth of his alter ego was a significant milestone in his artistic career.
What are some of Philip Colbert’s most famous pieces?
Colbert has created several iconic pieces – his most famous being Lobsteropolis. This is a virtual city – and the biggest world of art in Decentraland. He also created 7,777 portraits of lobsters, in the form of citizenship cards for his metaverse. These are known as ‘The Lobstars’.
How famous is Philip Colbert?
Colbert has been growing in popularity since 2015, when he designed merch for the The World Goes Pop exhibition at Tate Modern. However, his breakthrough came in 2017 – when his paintings were displayed at Saatchi Gallery (featuring, of course, his signature lobsters).
Fast forward to now, his larger-than-life paintings, sculptures, and installations have garnered international acclaim, with exhibitions in major galleries and institutions around the world.
His lobster character has become a symbol of his artistic identity, appearing in various settings that critique the excesses of consumerism while celebrating the creativity and energy of pop art.
How much does Philip Colbert’s art cost?
It depends on the piece. Some of his larger paintings can cost tens of thousands of pounds – for example, The Painter Portrait 2022 (Sky Blue) sold for £71,820 in 2022. Some of his smaller pieces and collectables can cost anything from £200 to over £10,000. At Grove Gallery, you can buy Philip Colbert’s art for as little as £17,000.
