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Sean Go

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Sean Go
Born (1993-07-20) July 20, 1993 (age 31)
Manila, Philippines
Alma materUC Berkeley, Columbia University, Emory University, Parson's School of Design, Fashion Institute of Technology
Occupation(s)Visual Artist, Sculptor
Notable workMousefather, Playmouse, Barbie Wawa, Frozen Kalesa, Humpty the Iron Egg

Sean Go is a Filipino pop appropriation artist born in 1993. According to CNN News, Go uses Disney characters and comic book heroes and villains to comment on societal themes including the emptiness of capitalism, perceptions of beauty, and how coloniality persists in the Philippines.[1] Go's creations stimulate artistic appreciation, critical cultural conversations about the Filipino diaspora, and global awareness of symbology and the impact of colonialism and consumerism on society.[2]

Go's artistic references include Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Salvador Dali, Maurizio Cattelan, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Botticelli, Praxiteles, Ang Kiukok, and Juan Luna.[3][4][5][6]

Work

Sean Go's Humpty the Iron Egg at The Manila Hotel in March of 2024
Sean Go's Disco Bolt Dragon the Jakarta Art Moments Art Festival of 2024

Go is cited to use references to toy brands such as Barbie, Playmobil, Thomas the Tank Engine, Lego, and Little Tikes.[7][8] Go's work aims to challenge cultural hegemony.[9] Go's works often remix combinations of pop culture such as brand logos with popular characters such as Optimus Prime from Transformers.[7] Go also iterates combinations of characters from different worlds - for example: Iron Man and Humpty Dumpty to create Humpty the Iron Egg.[10]

Go also combines Japanese anime characters with Filipino food, which include characters from Hello Kitty, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Naruto.[11] Go is fond of remixing comic book characters with Filipino and Asian narratives.[12][13]

Food is also a topic of interest for Go, particularly cuisine from the Philippines.[14][15][16]

Go was based in New York City from 2020 to 2022 while pursuing his Master's degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology and Columbia University, and is now based in Paris, where he is studying at the Parson's School of Design.[17][18] Due to his background in finance, Go often inserts capitalist critiques in his art.[19] Go has used reference materials from Marvel, Pokémon, and Star Wars, using a satirical style.[20] Go has often been cited to be inspired by childhood parables, popular television and movies, and Bible stories.[21]

Go has been called the "Andy Warhol" of the Philippines because of the themes that he parodies, which often provide an analysis of how capitalism and branding is important in art.[22] Go's works are also often child-like and sexually-charged, dealing with the themes of how beauty is ephemeral and how the way perceptions and reality interplay together affect society.[23][24]

Apart from comics, Disney movies, and superheroes, Go also uses elements of Westworld in his visual vocabulary.[25] Go's work also studies the fetishization of women’s bodies and the dangers of a commercial system that heavily markets sexuality and sensuality ubiquitously.[26]

Go's artworks allow for multiple interpretations, as the use of visually recognizable characters makes art accessible to those without art history backgrounds.[27]

Go often uses spray paint, bold colors, and crayons to communicate a child-like tone in his paintings, and to create nostalgia with the elementary nature of his work, scribbles, and strokes.[25]

Career

Go has had multiple exhibitions in the USA, Indonesia, and the Philippines.[5][28][25][29][30] Go's work was included in the inaugural MOCAF (Modern and Contemporary Arts Festival) in Manila in 2022, by art agent Derek Flores. Go's art was also featured in Art Moments Jakarta and Indoseni's "Wave to the Moon" exhibition in 2022.[1][31]

Go's work was included in the Xavier Art Festival in 2023 and in 2024.[32] [33]

In April 2023, Go was included as a featured artist at "Agos" an exhibit on environmental conservation in the Philippines.[34] The show was held in Power Plant Mall in Rockwell.[35] His works in that show featured recycled materials and paints.[36] Go's painting, the 3 Blind-X-Mice used a unique pigment made from crushed pigments from recycled rubber slippers, which are common footwear in the Philippines.[37][38]

Go's first solo show in Manila was titled Fallacies of Fantasy and was held in Secret Fresh Gallery in Manila, Philippines in June 2023. His most recent group show was held in Jakarta, Indonesia, for Art Moments Jakarta. This was in August 2023.[39][40][41]

Go was included at the "Elemento" show by Arthouse at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Manila, Philippines in November 2023 until December 2023.[42] The show aims to provide new alternatives to painting, through sustainable materials and processes. Go was also included in Art Fair Philippines 2024, with YOD Gallery Tokyo. [43] Go offers a fresh take on Filipino pop art, and often creates works with superheroes who are reimagined as Filipino.[44]

Go's Humpty the Iron Egg Sculpture was displayed at the Hatch Art exhibit at the Manila Hotel, a historic 5-star hotel that was established in 1912.[45] Go's work was made from acrylic paint and fiberglass.[46] Go was displayed alongside national artist Kidlat Tahimik.[47]

In June 2024, Go held a solo show titled "Victory Road" in Secret Fresh Gallery, which has a Pokemon based theme.[48] “Victory Road” takes on the themes of triumph, perseverance, and the resilience of the human spirit.[49] The exhibit celebrates the unique paths people take.[50] [51] A criticism of Go's work is the potentially limited audience from using nuanced cultural references.[52] However, his works are popular in the Manila art circuit. [53]

According to Tatler, Go is represented by DF Agency.[54]

Early life and education

Prior to becoming a pop artist, Go had completed seven degrees from UC Berkeley, Emory, Columbia, and the Fashion Institute of Technology.[55][41][56]

He has 4 master's degrees and 3 bachelor's degrees.[57] His bachelor's degrees were completed in 2015, and he completed his Law and MBA degrees in 2019.[58][59] His bachelor's degrees are in Business Administration, Economics, and Geography.[60][61] Go finished his Master's in Real Estate Development from Columbia in 2021 and his Master of Arts in Art Market Studies from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 2022.[4][62][6][63] Go is currently a Master's of Art in Fashion student at Parson's School of Design in Paris. Go studies social class appropriation in fashion, as well as the legitimization of culture through institutional intermediaries.[64]

Previously at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Go did an activation modeling exhibit with Dr. Alexandra Schwartz at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City by Columbus Circle. Go’s seminal project at FIT was to coordinate a symposium on diversity and inclusion for the arts, in New York City.[65]

Go has studied film at USC, under Doug Bush (producer of Icarus on Netflix and Heroes by HBO) and under Daniel Noah, who makes horror genre films with Elijah Wood.[65]

Go is a graduate of the International School of Manila in the Philippines.[66]

Go started a hedge fund, HGR Digital Asset Group in 2018.[60] Prior to becoming an artist, Go worked at Ernst and Young, Techstars, and HSBC.[67]

Go has shared that coming from a conservative family, art was not a field that was approved by his elders. However, the passing of his close friend to cancer shifted his perspective on what one should prioritize in life, even if it means questioning the status quo.[68][69] Go has spoken about the importance of Asian representation in the arts, as creativity is not often a career track that is encouraged in traditional households.[70] Go also hopes to use his platform to destigmatize anime and cartoon fandom culture, as childish animations was often seen as "uncool" growing up.[71]

Recognition

Sean Go's work has been featured in fashion magazines including GQ, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, L'Officiel, Wonderland, and Esquire.[5][72][16][26] Go has also appeared in many newspapers in the Philippines and globally for different media outlets such as CNN, ABS-CBN, the Gulf Times, Khaleej Times, Glamour, Manila Bulletin, and Philippine Star. Go's works have been collected by many notable people.[65][5]

Go's collaboration with PickUP Coffee was released in December 2023, featuring the PickUP Dragon, his take on a "feel good" piece for the $130 million valuation coffee company.[73]

Go has also collaborated with Manila Hotel, a 5-star historic hotel since 1912 and with JAG Jeans.[74]

Personal life

Go has shared that he has a vestibular balance disorder which meant that his balance was often severely off growing up.[75]

Go is an avid fan of martial arts and combat sports. Go has trained with UFC and Bellator champion Lyman Good, and 4X Champion and Olympic boxer Brian Viloria.[68] Go sponsors MMA and boxing fighters, among them former WBC Latino Champion Ron "Diablo" Cruz and WBA Intercontinental champion Kareem Hackett.[68][76]

Go enjoys learning about weapons and objects used in combat, which include katanas, throwing knives, and spears.[77]

Go is the founder of the UC Berkeley Club of the Philippines and serves in the executive committee.[61]

  • Sean Go displayed his works at MOCAF in 2022
    Sean Go displayed his works at MOCAF in 2022
  • Sean Go's Playmouse variations at Cat-Eye Creative Gallery in Atlanta, Georgia
    Sean Go's Playmouse variations at Cat-Eye Creative Gallery in Atlanta, Georgia
  • Sean Go's Lucky Mandalorian at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Manila, Philippines
    Sean Go's Lucky Mandalorian at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Manila, Philippines
  • Sean Go's Pokemon at YOD Gallery Tokyo in 2024
    Sean Go's Pokemon at YOD Gallery Tokyo in 2024

References

  1. ^ a b Sean Go (October 18, 2022). "Sean Go making a name in Pop Art World with unique pieces". CNN (online video news segment interview). Interviewed by Paolo Abrera. Philippines. Archived from the original on November 18, 2022.
  2. ^ "Childhood Nostalgia, Consumerism, and the Big Business of Pop Appropriation Art". 10 August 2022.
  3. ^ "'Agos' art exhibit aims to spark environmental action". cnn. Archived from the original on May 12, 2023.
  4. ^ a b "Artist Sean Go is a Contemporary Asian Picasso". www.lofficielmonaco.com.
  5. ^ a b c d "Painter Sean Go is a Virtuoso of Artistic Intelligence". Harper's Bazaar Việt Nam.
  6. ^ a b "8-Time Degree Holder Sean Go Is The "It Man" of Our Contemporary Art Renaissance".
  7. ^ a b Bakian, Written in Partnership with Amir (June 6, 2023). "Artist Sean Go on how Religion, Toys, and Food Brands influence Artistic Creativity". The Village Voice.
  8. ^ "Childhood Nostalgia, Consumerism, and the Big Business of Pop Appropriation Art".
  9. ^ "Artist Sean Go Challenges Cultural Hegemony". Mashable Benelux. November 12, 2022.
  10. ^ Rebuyas, Mike (April 12, 2023). "This Ain't Your Mickey Mouse: Sean Go Talks About Remixing Pop Art".
  11. ^ "Longing for Knows-talgia - the Art of Sean Go – Alike". www.alike.com.ph.
  12. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AF5cxAUOX0
  13. ^ https://www.glamour.co.za/lifestyle/you-never-own-sean-gos-art-you-are-merely-safeguarding-it-for-the-next-generation-92fcb924-5b31-4610-a0f4-b15579051d36
  14. ^ "How Sean Go Connects With His Filipino Roots Through Pop Expressionist Art".
  15. ^ "10 Filipino contemporary artists at Art Moments Jakarta 2023".
  16. ^ a b Staff, Wonderland (October 23, 2023). "Artist And Polymath Sean Go: A Profile". Wonderland.
  17. ^ Article title
  18. ^ Suralta, Bryle B. (July 1, 2022). "This New York-Based Filipino Artist Is Carving Out His Place in the Pop Art World". Esquire. Philippines.
  19. ^ Valigursky, Michelle (August 10, 2022). "Childhood Nostalgia, Consumerism, and the Big Business of Pop Appropriation Art". Goizueta Business School. Retrieved November 18, 2022.
  20. ^ "Sean Go: The Mundane, the Ironic, and the Sublime". 11 December 2022.
  21. ^ Redactie, Door (November 12, 2022). "Artist Sean Go Challenges Cultural Hegemony". Mashable. Benelux.
  22. ^ "Meet Sean Go, the Andy Warhol of the Philippines - PAPER Magazine".
  23. ^ Girl, Galore (November 15, 2023). "500 Years from Now, Artist Sean Go's Paintings will be in Spaceships". Galore.
  24. ^ "Surreal art meets bubblegum pop in this New-York based Filipino artist's creations". INQUIRER.net USA. Jan 3, 2024.
  25. ^ a b c Finkle, Jordan (June 15, 2023). "Pop Artist Sean Go Crackles Dreams And Nightmares Into Absurd Masterpieces". Haute Living.
  26. ^ a b "Filipino Artist Sean Go Uses Bubblegum-Pop Muses to Create Surreal Paintings". Elle Canada.
  27. ^ https://www.esquire.com.tr/ekstra/kultur-sanat/2024/02/28/kendi-kusaginin-en-onemli-filipinli-sanatcisi-sean-go
  28. ^ "Artist Sean Go is the new prince of pop art". Gulf Times. June 17, 2023.
  29. ^ Madarang, Catalina Ricci S. (June 19, 2023). "What to expect: NY-based Pinoy artist to launch pop art in San Juan".
  30. ^ Rebuyas, Mike (April 12, 2023). "This Ain't Your Mickey Mouse: Sean Go Talks About Remixing Pop Art".
  31. ^ "Derek Flores of DF Art Agency on Representing Contemporary Artists and Tips on Collecting Art".
  32. ^ "Xavier Art Fest 2023".
  33. ^ https://www.esquire.com.tr/ekstra/kultur-sanat/2024/02/28/kendi-kusaginin-en-onemli-filipinli-sanatcisi-sean-go
  34. ^ Dy-Zulueta, Dolly. "'Mandalorian' art, Filipino artists in exhibit for environmental conservation". Philstar.com.
  35. ^ "Filipino artists unite to spark conversations and inspire ch". malaya.com.ph. April 24, 2023.
  36. ^ "Art exhibit 'Agos' gathers Filipino artists to spark environmental change through creative expression".
  37. ^ Nisay, J. T. (April 25, 2023). "From creative expression flows environmental awareness in 'Agos' exhibit | JT Nisay".
  38. ^ Moya, Jove. "'Agos' exhibition sparks environmental talks, brings Filipino artists together". Tatler Asia.
  39. ^ "Pop appropriation artist Sean Go to hold first solo exhibit in PH". Manila Bulletin.
  40. ^ "Filipino art shines at prestigious international art fair". Manila Bulletin.
  41. ^ a b "NY-based Filipino artist Sean Go brings his pop art universe to Manila". Art+ Magazine.
  42. ^ "ELEMENTO by The Art House and Search Mindscape Foundation - When In Manila". www.wheninmanila.com. November 21, 2023.
  43. ^ "'ELEMENTO'". malaya.com.ph. November 22, 2023.
  44. ^ Republic, Team Manila (December 6, 2023). "ELEMENTO by The Art House and Search Mindscape Foundation".
  45. ^ https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/5/hatch-2024-unveils-local-art-brilliance-with-historic-participation-of-a-national-artist-in-march-2024-1
  46. ^ https://www.manila-hotel.com.ph/the-manila-bulletins-hatch-6th-edition/
  47. ^ https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/15/unveiling-egg-citing-creations-with-hatch
  48. ^ https://www.wheninmanila.com/look-this-ongoing-art-exhibit-is-inspired-by-victory-road-in-pokemon/#google_vignette
  49. ^ https://interaksyon.philstar.com/hobbies-interests/2024/06/04/276762/ny-based-filipino-artist-returns-to-manila-with-pokemon-inspired-art-exhibit/
  50. ^ https://www.tatlerasia.com/lifestyle/arts/art-exhibits-this-june-2024
  51. ^ https://tribune.net.ph/2024/06/14/pokemon-inspires-exhibit
  52. ^ https://bluprint-onemega.com/victory-road-sean-go-secret-fresh-gallery/
  53. ^ https://www.tatlerasia.com/lifestyle/arts/art-exhibits-this-june-2024
  54. ^ "Derek Flores of DF Art Agency on Representing Contemporary Artists and Tips on Collecting Art".
  55. ^ "Sean Go pushing boundaries of taste with art so complex, yet so simple". www.gq.co.za.
  56. ^ "NYC Artist Sean Go Blending Cynicism and Hope through Pop Art". www.flaunt.com.
  57. ^ Valigursky, Michelle (August 10, 2022). "Childhood Nostalgia, Consumerism, and the Big Business of Pop Appropriation Art".
  58. ^ Dionora, Gelo (May 21, 2022). "Sean Go's Pop Art World is Playfully Serious". Mantle Magazine.
  59. ^ "Sean Go, Emory JM/MBA '19". TI:GER by Emory University Law. September 11, 2019.
  60. ^ a b "Sean Go | Emory University Goizueta Business School". goizueta.emory.edu.
  61. ^ a b "Sean Go". International Alumni Network. October 5, 2015.
  62. ^ https://metro.style/living/tips/sean-go/34988
  63. ^ "Artist Sean Go livens up pop art scene with healthy sarcasm and parody". INQUIRER.net USA. February 24, 2023.
  64. ^ https://www.glamour.co.za/lifestyle/you-never-own-sean-gos-art-you-are-merely-safeguarding-it-for-the-next-generation-92fcb924-5b31-4610-a0f4-b15579051d36
  65. ^ a b c https://www.lofficiel.cy/art/appropriation-artist-sean-go-inspires-possibilities-through-unconventional-painti
  66. ^ "International School Manila... - International School Manila". www.facebook.com.
  67. ^ Redactie, Door (November 12, 2022). "Artist Sean Go Challenges Cultural Hegemony". Mashable Benelux.
  68. ^ a b c "How Filipino Artist Sean Go Challenges Cultural Norms Through his Pop Art Multiverse". Deadline News. March 14, 2023.
  69. ^ "You Never Own Sean Go's Art, You Are Merely Safeguarding it for the Next Generation". www.glamour.co.za.
  70. ^ Article title
  71. ^ https://www.esquire.com.tr/ekstra/kultur-sanat/2024/02/28/kendi-kusaginin-en-onemli-filipinli-sanatcisi-sean-go
  72. ^ "Sean Go Is Carving Out His Place in the Pop Art World".
  73. ^ "Pick Up Your Holidays With These Treats From PICKUP COFFEE". nylonmanila.com. December 20, 2023.
  74. ^ https://www.lofficiel.cy/art/appropriation-artist-sean-go-inspires-possibilities-through-unconventional-painti
  75. ^ https://www.papermag.com/meet-sean-go-the-andy-warhol-of-the-philippines
  76. ^ https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/culture/paris-based-artist-sean-go-spins-iconic-works-by-botticelli-koons-and-klimt-into-surreal-pop-art-37611/
  77. ^ https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/culture/paris-based-artist-sean-go-spins-iconic-works-by-botticelli-koons-and-klimt-into-surreal-pop-art-37611/
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