SEOUL, Sept. 06 (AJP) - A giant red lobster artwork named the "Floating Lobster King" greeted visitors to Seokchon Lake in southern Seoul on Friday to mark the 10th anniversary of Lotte World Mall, an iconic shopping center with a 555-meter (1.820 feet)-tall Lotte Tower.
The lobster is the main art piece of "Lobster Wonderland," a public art project by British pop artist Philip Colbert. The project, hosted by Lotte Corp., Korea's confectionery giant, will be put on display until Sept. 29.
The 49-year-old artist Colbert, known for his playful lobster-themed artworks, is often called the "Godson of Andy Warhol." He designed the 16-meter-tall lobster balloon, his largest work to date, which features a red lobster wearing a crown and sitting in an inflatable tube, created specifically for this event.
During a press conference, Colbert spoke about the inspiration behind his gigantic artwork displayed in Seokchon Lake, a popular lake for nearby residents and dating couples. "I guess the opportunity of using the lake, in such an iconic location right in the center of the city, was really exciting," said Colbert.
Other than the giant floating lobster artwork, Colbert's smaller art pieces are being exhibited at the nearby lawn plaza and on the second floor of the Next Museum inside the Lotte World Mall.
"Seoul is always a city I have a deep connection with. I have many friendships here, and it’s a city which has supported me a lot over the years," Colbert said, explaining his motivation for participating in this project. "I’ve always wanted to give more to the city and bring my work back to the public," he added.
Since 2014, Lotte World Mall has become a popular tourist destination through public art projects like "Rubber Duck" and "Supermoon," attracting about 16.48 million visitors over the last decade.
