New Paintings will exhibit at the Saatchi Gallery during Frieze from 3rd – 16th October 2017.
Private view: Monday October 2nd, 6 – 9pm
Philip Colbert expands his pop universe with his inaugural solo show of large scale paintings presented by Gazelli Art House at the Saatchi Gallery during Frieze London, starting 3 October 2017.
Colbert’s boisterous multi-disciplinary art projects have been acclaimed by fashion icons such as Karl Lagerfeld and Lady Gaga and featured in pop up exhibitions worldwide at Art Basel, Frieze London, Art 16 and Tate Modern.
Previously described by American Vogue’s Andre Leon Talley as “the godson of Andy Warhol”, Colbert presents eight, large-scale oil on canvas paintings bursting with contemporary culture and art history references. Conceived as a dialogue between the artist and his pop forefathers, the paintings trace Colbert’s autobiographical journey within his unique creative landscape.
Colbert brings pop back to British painting with a bang, transporting historical icons alongside today’s celebrities and motifs. The artist’s visual set of references include Salvador Dali’s lobster telephone, Lichtenstein’s hot dog, David Hockney’s swimming pool, Francis Bacon’s distorted portrait, Man Ray’s ball bearings, William Shakespeare with a pint in hand and Grayson Perry as his alter ego Claire.
These figures are juxtaposed against a visual vocabulary of mass culture, Tesco signs, emojis, umbrellas, Cornflakes boxes, jars of Golden Shred Marmalade and mugs of builder’s tea and biscuits. Central to each composition is Colbert’s trademark lobster who narrates these epic works.
Throughout his practice Colbert plays to our fears as much as our hopes, by highlighting the influence of social media on our daily lives and addressing political concerns and global issues such as climate change.
“I always felt more like an artist than a designer and these works mark a new direction for me and represent my largest works to date. I’m excited by the way surrealistic juxtapositions can ferment new ideas”, said Philip Colbert.
“We’re very excited to be premiering Philip Colbert’s monumental works at the Saatchi Gallery during such a busy time in the art calendar. Philip’s pop universe has firmly established itself with these works and we’re delighted to support him in this new chapter”, said Mila Askarova, Director at Gazelli Art House.
“Philip’s works are energetic and vibrant examples of contemporary art that illustrate the saturation of art history and pop culture in society,” said Paul Foster, Head of Retail at Saatchi Gallery. “We are delighted to be presenting some of Philip’s merchandise in the Saatchi Gallery Store that explores and celebrates these themes.”
Colbert’s merchandise from the show will be available exclusively at the Saatchi Gallery Store, including lobster pin badges, signed printed plates, mugs, T-shirts and caps.
Location: Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 4RY
