Philip Colbert recaps his 2025 before taking us into his busy new year

Back from a successful installation in Erice, Sicily - we caught up with British artist Philip Colbert once again in his East London studio to recap his 2025 which took him from Sicily in Italy to Taipei in Taiwan and countless events such as Art Frieze in London.

The first thing I wanted to ask you is: from Sicily to Taiwan. What has been the highlight of the year?

The highlight of the year… I can’t even remember what started this year because it’s gone so quickly. I’ve done a lot of things, but it’s all felt very fast.If I had to pick a highlight, I’d say I really loved the Sicily project at the ancient temple. That Greek temple is such an iconic piece of Western civilization. Having my sculptures there was like bringing one of my painted scenes into reality.There was something very cool about placing contemporary art in such an ancient place, it was like creating a dialogue across time. That inspires me the most: the idea that art can journey through time. The present can sometimes feel fickle or absurd, but the depths of history are endlessly fascinating.

When you choose locations like Taiwan or Sicily, what’s the process behind finding these places?

It’s really a journey. My Italy projects started in Venice with the inflatable installation. Then I did a road takeover, and afterwards Rome, an ancient capital. It just made more sense. After that came the Naples show, and Naples has an incredible archaeological museum.The more you do in a certain region, the more doors open. Once people see one project, invitations follow. The curator who organized my Sicily show had seen the Rome exhibition and said, “Why don’t you come to Sicily and do something here?” One door opens another.

Out of all your recent works, which piece are you most proud of?

One of my new paintings: this lobster walking through a pop-art-style zigzag pattern. It’s almost an abstract pop painting, and he’s walking right through it. I like it because it’s an homage to pop art, but also very much my character navigating this graphic world.And of course, the color. I’ve always been obsessed with color and its power, its energy. You can’t mess with color; it’s pure heat.

We’re in December 2025, what can we expect from you in 2026?

I’ve got a show in Singapore in January, around the 20th. We’re also working on a potential exhibition in Pompeii, which would be amazing. As for time off… I’m lucky that my work is what I love, so work doesn’t feel like work. But yes, I do take breaks when I can.

Will we see any exhibitions in London?

Yes, I have an exhibition next year at The Lightbox. It’s a really nice museum in Woking. We’ll be showing big new works.

What advice would you give to an emerging artist who wants to start fresh next year?

Hustle hard. Art gives you the freedom to be crazy: use that. Be original. Create a story, because everything in art is storytelling. It's difficult because you’re selling something no one technically needs. That’s the challenge and the freedom. There has to be that balance: risk and freedom, otherwise the work isn’t doing its job.

The main character in your art is the lobster. Where will we see the lobster in 2026?

Other than Singapore and London, I’ve developed a kids’ cartoon, which I’m hoping will move forward. Hopefully it’ll be on YouTube soon.

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Article by Sal F. and Photos by Ines B.