Macao: Sands China Ltd. recently held a vibrant opening ceremony for the highly anticipated art exhibition, Coastal Fantasia: The Lobster King’s Vacation in Macao, featuring the works of renowned British pop artist from Scotland, Philip Colbert. This event took place at the picturesque waterfront of the Macao Science Center, marking a significant cultural moment for the region. Colbert, often hailed as the “godson of Andy Warhol,” has captivated audiences worldwide with his unique cartoon lobster persona and dynamic hyper-pop history paintings that delve into contemporary digital culture while engaging in a rich dialogue with art history.
The exhibition showcases Colbert’s iconic lobster character through massive installations strategically placed across five prominent locations in Macao. These installations are designed to celebrate the city’s coastal beauty and enhance its maritime tourism offerings. Among the standout pieces are a striking 15-meter inflatable Lobster Submarine located at the Macao Science Center waterfront and a 7-meter high Lobster Flamingo at The Venetian Macao outdoor lagoon. The exhibition runs from January 15 until mid-March 2025, providing both locals and visitors with free access to this colorful artistic experience.
Colbert’s work is characterized by its energetic fusion of high art themes drawn from classical masterpieces, contemporary art theory, and symbols of mass culture. His artistic vision is vividly expressed through his lobster character, which serves as both a playful alter ego and a vehicle for deeper commentary on modern society. As Colbert himself stated, “I became an artist when I became a Lobster,” highlighting the transformative power of his creative identity.
Sands China aims to leverage this exhibition to bolster Macao’s cultural tourism landscape. Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., emphasized the importance of integrating internationally recognized art with local culture. He remarked, “By introducing internationally renowned masterpieces to Macao, we aim to boost Macao’s coastal tourism offerings and promote the beauty of the city’s coastline.” This initiative not only enriches the cultural experience for residents and tourists but also aligns with the government’s vision for diversifying Macao’s economy through cultural and arts industries.
The exhibition also serves as a platform to raise awareness about environmental issues, particularly concerning ocean preservation. Some installations are making their global debut in Macao and highlight the ecological importance of maintaining marine environments.
Philip Colbert has established himself as a pivotal figure in contemporary pop art since he began exhibiting his work in 2014. With over 50 solo exhibitions worldwide, including significant showcases in cities across Asia such as Beijing, Tokyo, and Seoul, Colbert has built a dedicated global following. His previous interventions have included eye-catching public displays, such as an inflatable lobster sculpture that floated along Venice’s Grand Canal during the 59th Venice Biennale.
Colbert expressed his excitement about returning to Macao for this major exhibition: “This is the largest artist takeover in the city’s history. I’m so grateful to the organizers for having the ambition to help bring my artistic works to life on such a big scale.” His enthusiasm reflects his deep connection to Macao, a city that has inspired him since his first visit.
The Coastal Fantasia exhibition is not limited to just one location; it spans multiple venues including ART Space at Macao Cultural Center and historic sites like the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory and Taipa Houses. Each site features specially crafted sculptures that enhance their surroundings while contributing to a cohesive city-wide artistic narrative.
In addition to the main exhibition, Colbert’s solo show titled The Journey to the Lobster Planet Macao will run until February 15 at ART Space. This exhibition includes over 20 new artworks that further explore his lobster theme and its relation to contemporary culture.
Sands China’s collaboration with Philip Colbert marks a significant milestone in enhancing Macao’s cultural landscape through innovative art exhibitions. By merging pop culture with traditional artistic themes, this exhibition not only showcases Colbert’s distinctive style but also enriches the cultural fabric of Macao. As visitors explore these larger-than-life installations throughout the city, they are invited to engage with both art and environmental consciousness—an experience that promises to leave a lasting impression on all who attend.
This is fabulous, gota love the lobster.