Philip Colbert installs 30 lobster sculptures in Pompeii
British artist Philip Colbert has placed his largest exhibition yet among the ruins of Pompeii, mixing pop art with one of Italy’s best-known archaeological sites.
British pop artist Philip Colbert has unveiled 30 giant lobster sculptures in Pompeii, Italy, in what he says is his largest installation to date. The work brings contemporary art into the ancient Roman city, which was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.
The exhibition uses Colbert’s lobster motif, a recurring figure in his work, to create a contrast between modern pop imagery and the remains of the historic site. Organisers say the display is intended to set mythology and present-day culture alongside each other.
Pompeii is one of the world’s most visited archaeological destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The installation adds a temporary art project to a place known for its preserved streets, buildings and frescoes.
The show is part of a wider trend of contemporary artists staging work in heritage locations, where new installations are used to draw fresh attention to ancient settings.
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