Few artists have made a splash in the pop art world quite like Philip Colbert. The Scottish creator has turned his cheeky, larger-than-life lobster character into a global sensation.
From exhibiting at London’s Saatchi Gallery and creating buzzworthy installations for the 2022 Venice Biennale to collaborations with luxury heavyweights like Rolex, Montblanc and Comme des Garçons, Colbert’s résumé is as dynamic as his art. Just this past summer, his giant sculptures popped up in Paris for a public exhibition tied to the 2024 Summer Olympics.
And now, he’s back in Macao. Following his 2023 Mickey Mouse Lobster, an official collaboration with Disney, on the Cotai Strip, he’s teamed up with Sands China Ltd. for another whimsical project that invites visitors to embark on a city walk through Macao’s vibrant streets and scenic coastline.
Running through 16 March, Coastal Fantasia: The Lobster King’s Vacation in Macao has taken over the city with more than 20 new art pieces – including one massive floating lobster and two lobster sculptures made for Macao – that turn a spotlight on coastal scenery and historic landmarks.
A celebration of Macao’s maritime heritage, this eccentric exhibition is a perfect fit for Macao, which was recently named a “Culture City of East Asia 2025”. It also marks the first time an integrated resort operator has organised a citywide art event on such a grand scale, encompassing onshore and offshore locations, historic landmarks and a premier Cotai resort.
“Macao’s unique blend of heritage and modernity inspires me,” says Colbert. “I wanted to create art that celebrates its diversity and reflects its connection to the sea. The Lobster King feels right at home here.”
Here’s your guide to this two-month-long art takeover, including all the can’t-miss sculptures and where to find them.
Who is ‘The Lobster King’?
Before we dive into the art, let’s talk about the artist. And why lobsters?
The contemporary pop artist studied philosophy at Scotland’s University of St. Andrews, dabbled in fashion and design, and later delved into Greek and Roman art. But it was his playful lobster alter ego that propelled him into the creative spotlight.
As Colbert puts it: “I became an artist when I became a lobster.”
He adds: “Growing up in Scotland, I was surrounded by fairytales and myths like the Loch Ness Monster. When I started as an artist, I became obsessed with symbols and history, and the lobster has an incredible legacy. You see it in Dutch still-life paintings, Salvador Dalí’s work, and even ancient Greek art.”
Where do I find Philip Colbert’s lobsters in Macao?
Colbert’s lobsters are back in Macao – bigger and bolder than ever – spanning multiple venues across the city. The citywide crustacean extravaganza has unfolded in four parts across six venues:
- Coastal Fantasia: The Lobster King’s Vacation in Macao will take over the Macao Science Center waterfront and The Venetian Macao’s outdoor lagoon until 16 March.
- During the same time period, Philip Colbert’s Macao Art Tour in Old Taipa Village breathes new life into heritage landmarks like the Taipa-Houses Museum and the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory.
- Le Jardin: Discover Colbert’s 4-metre-tall steel Lobster Painter sculpture, a playful self-portrait of the artist holding a melting paintbrush, set against the stunning backdrop of The Parisian Macao and Eiffel Tower until 14 May.
- Finally, The Journey to the Lobster Planet Macao – Solo Exhibition by Philip Colbert at the Macao Cultural Centre is on until 15 February.
What’s the best way to see them all?
Not sure where to start? Here’s how to explore all of Philip Colbert’s surreal lobster installations in a day – starting from the north and working your way south.
Stop 1: Macao Cultural Centre
Begin at the Macao Cultural Centre, where Colbert’s lobster universe comes to life indoors and out. Outside, a vibrant mural spills down the steps, offering a sneak peek of what’s to come.
Inside the ART SPACE, discover a collection of Colbert’s multimedia works, including 14 new oil paintings and seven sculptures. His signature mix of bold colour, tongue-in-cheek humour and historic pop-culture references explores themes like marine life, consumerism and digital culture.
Stop 2: Macao Science Center Waterfront
Just a short walk away, marvel at the Lobster Submarine, a jumbo 15-metre inflatable sculpture floating near the Macao Science Center. The crowned lobster, which appears to be steering a yellow submarine toward the city, was newly created by Colbert and made its debut in Macao.
In case you’re wondering, Colbert says the submarine is indeed a reference to The Beatles’ iconic vessel, as well as a tribute to the late Claes Oldenburg, the Swedish-American sculptor famed for his oversized, soft sculptures of everyday objects.
Onshore, four 1.5-metre fibreglass lobsters in fried-egg suits complete the scene. One reclines in the sun, while another squeezes paint from a tube – a charming sight that combines relaxation, creativity and inspiration.
Stop 3: Former Iec Long Firecracker Factory
Head to Taipa to explore more of Colbert’s work at the recently rejuvenated industrial heritage site. The centrepiece is a 4-metre-tall stainless-steel Lobster Firecracker sculpture holding a string of fireworks in honour of the site’s pyrotechnic past.
Inspired by Chinese culture, the giant lobster has been specially created for Macao as part of Sands China’s ongoing revitalisation of the area in collaboration with the government.
Nearby, a woodland-themed lobster dressed in a mushroom costume adds a touch of magic, reflecting Colbert’s fascination with nature’s hidden wonders.
Stop 4: Taipa Houses
At the Taipa Houses, you’ll find the Cockerel Lobster, a 2-metre-tall lobster dressed as a rooster. This new creation blends Macao’s Portuguese heritage with Colbert’s signature surrealist humour and will remain on permanent display as part of Sands China’s revitalisation efforts.
Dubbed the “godson of Andy Warhol,” Colbert brings pop culture and art history to life with a few more lobster personas swimming around the area. There’s the Lobster Soup Can, a playful nod to Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans, where the lobster dons a soup can costume satirising consumer culture. Then there’s the Lobster Spam Can, which recycles the pop symbol while evoking themes of mortality and consumption.
For Van Gogh fans, Lobster Sunflowers on Van Gogh’s Chair reimagines the master’s iconic motifs with a wink, while Birth of a Lobster channels Salvador Dalí, featuring a lobster emerging from a cracked egg – a symbol of life and new ideas.
Stop 5: Le Jardin (opposite The Parisian Macao)
As your art journey nears its end, stop by Le Jardin on the Cotai Strip, with The Parisian Macao and the Eiffel Tower as a stunning backdrop. Here, Colbert’s 4-metre-tall steel Lobster Painter sculpture acts as a self-portrait, showing the artist holding a melting paintbrush.
This surrealist-inspired masterpiece is a nod to Salvador Dalí, but with a playful twist. With its bold colours and cheeky humour, the sculpture pokes fun at the creative process and challenges our ideas about art and identity. It’s a thought-provoking piece that will leave you smiling and inspired.
Stop 6: The Venetian Lagoon
As a grand finale, visit The Venetian Macao where Colbert’s whimsical art makes waves in front of the property.
The 7-metre-tall inflatable artwork of Colbert’s crowned lobster lounging in a hot-pink flamingo floatie takes centre stage in The Venetian’s outdoor lagoon. Equal parts cheeky and charming, the Lobster Flamingo links to Macao’s maritime heritage while showcasing Colbert’s trademark humour and pop-culture style.
Before you leave, check out the Lobster Submarine, a smaller version of the gigantic floating crustacean in the harbour, tucked beneath Campanile Tower, and the quirky Lobster King keepsakes at the gift shops at The Venetian. From Lobster Flamingo key rings to Lobster Submarine figurines, these fun souvenirs are perfect for taking home a piece of Colbert’s world.
