Singapore’s renowned Tanjong Beach on Sentosa Island has been dramatically re-envisioned as a vibrant, surreal seascape with the launch of Lobster Beach, a playful, immersive art installation by internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Philip Colbert. Running across Tanjong Beach and the adjacent Tanjong Beach Club, the project transforms the shoreline into a pop-art playground dominated by the artist’s signature crustacean alter ego, coinciding with a broader showcase during Singapore Art Week. This audacious public takeover invites locals and tourists alike to interact with oversized, hybrid lobster sculptures, blurring the lines between high art, digital culture, and beachside leisure.
Introducing the “Godson of Andy Warhol”
Philip Colbert, a Scottish-born, London-based artist, is often hailed in art circles as the “godson of Andy Warhol” for his distinctive hyper-pop aesthetic and commentary on modern consumerism. His primary muse, a colorful cartoon lobster, has become globally recognizable, featuring in exhibitions worldwide, including a previous highly successful foray into Singapore in 2024. Colbert’s work deftly merges classical art historical references with motifs drawn from contemporary digital culture, often manifested on canvas and through large-scale sculptured installations. The inspiration for the scale and material of his creations notably draws from artistic precedents like Claes Oldenburg’s iconic soft sculptures, injecting a sense of the absurd into the familiar.
The current Sentosa takeover is a grand exercise in imagination, showcasing a bizarre, yet delightful, reimagining of the marine world. Colbert’s lobster character is seen in various exaggerated, hybrid forms, including fantastical lobster-sharks, lobster-octopuses, and lobster-fishes, creating a collection of wonderfully Frankenstein-ed sea creatures scattered across the sandy stretch.
The Centerpiece of the Shoreline Spectacle
Towering above the interactive installations is the undisputed star of Lobster Beach: Lobster Ice Cream. This eight-meter-tall steel sculpture serves as the semi-permanent focal point of the area, its vibrant colours and immense size ensuring it cannot be missed by visitors approaching the coastline. This structure encapsulates Colbert’s blending of high art with accessible pop imagery, turning an indulgence into a monumental art statement.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the art pieces, capture photos, and engage directly with the environment, making the installation a truly participatory cultural experience rather than a static viewing gallery.
More Than Just a Beach Party
The Lobster Beach takeover is just one facet of Colbert’s extensive presence in Singapore this season, cementing his commitment to the region’s art scene.
- Solo Exhibition: During Singapore Art Week, Colbert debuted Temple of the Sunflower, a solo exhibition at Whitestone Gallery. This show presents a new series of works combining strong floral motifs with abstract painting techniques. The exhibition is currently running until March 14.
- Art SG Appearance: Concurrently, the artist participated in Art SG (January 23–25), showcasing never-before-seen sculptures that were made available for purchase, attracting both collectors and enthusiasts of his boundary-pushing style.
By combining public, accessible art on the highly-trafficked Tanjong Beach with high-end gallery shows, Colbert bridges the gap between different art audiences. His installations successfully integrate contemporary artistic expression into daily life and leisure, transforming a conventional beach day into a unique cultural outing. For those seeking to immerse themselves in this unique art event, further details on Lobster Beach can be found via the Sentosa official channels.