Published by St-Barth Weekly - Local News in English
Edition N°369 - November 24, 2016 (Pages 06-07)
See original published article
Philip Colbert Fried Eggs, 2016 Sequin on canvas
Space SBH Contemporary Art Gallery is delighted to present for the first time in St Barth, Philip Colbert in his inaugural exhibition on island, with a total takeover of the gallery space. This exhibit, titled “Guess Who?” runs from November 24 through December 5, 2016.
Living and working in London. Colbert is known for his multi-disciplinary approach, creating a "World of Art," working across sculpture, painting, clothing, and performance to create a unique contemporary voice.
He is also known for his bold sequin embroidery paintings and sculptures, and for having created the world-renowned design brand, The Rodnik Band, inspired by the Post Pop Art movement. Andre Leon Talley described Colbert as "the Godson of Andy Warhol."
Colbert’s strong use of color and abstraction of iconic imagery place his work within an engaging dialogue with the contemporary post pop art movement. Like his Pop Art predecessors, he employs distilled compelling symbols of mass culture and re-contextualizes them in his life to create a provocative, multi-disciplinary satirical language of his own.
"I am excited to be launching my new exhibition “Guess Who” in St Barth with Space Gallery. The show explores the contemporary relevance of enduring pop icons such as Mickey Mouse, and playfully explores their relationship to art history and contemporary pop culture.”
Colbert conceives the 1950s American kitchen aesthetic as the foundation of ‘Pop’ and distills it with his own playful response to important icons and symbols, such as meat imagery, prominent in the work of Soutine and Francis Bacon, and the iconic image of Fried eggs which Colbert describes as "mini Mondrian's with irreverent humor.” In doing so, he creates a dialogue with established ideas and works of the past, and ironically pastiches this imagery, playing on the notion that their repetition and overuse over the years have rendered them ultimate icons of pop culture.
"I am interested in art of the everyday. I am inspired by everyday symbols that can unlock profound meaning, I want to wallpaper my life with these symbols, from my suits, cars and interiors, for me life and living is the ultimate essence of art"
Colbert has exhibited in fairs, museums and galleries worldwide, including: Miami Basil, the Van Gogh Museum, the Design Exchange in Canada, and in the recent World Goes POP show at TATE Modern.
PHILIP COLBERT : GUESS WHO?
AT SPACE SBH GALLERY
Opening reception: Friday November 25, 6pm-8pm
Private viewing by appointment,
contact info@spacestbarth.com
Philip Colbert Mickey Croissant Moustache, 2016, Sequins on canvas, 210 x 165 cm (82.67 x 64.96 in)
Guess Who? An Exhibition by Philip Colbert
at Space SBH Contemporary Art Gallery
24 Nov - 3 Dec 2016
Visit us at Le Carré d'Or - Gustavia Harbour, next to Calypso Mon-Sat: 10am-8pm 0590 295524 info@spacestbarth.com