Sean Go
Born (1993-07-20) July 20, 1993
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

Go is cited to use references to toy brands such as Barbie, Playmobil, Thomas the Train, 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]

Food is also a topic of interest for Go, particularly cuisine from the Philippines.[12][13][14]

Go is based in New York City.[15] Due to his background in finance, Go often inserts capitalist critiques in his art.[16] Go has used reference materials from Marvel, Pokémon, and Star Wars, using a satirical style.[17] Go has often been cited to be inspired by childhood parables, popular television and movies, and Bible stories.[18]

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.[19] 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.[20][21]

Apart from comics, Disney movies, and superheroes, Go also uses elements of Westworld in his visual vocabulary.[22] 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.[23]

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.[22]

Filipino Nostaglia (2022) by Sean Go at ArtHouse and Search Mindscape Presents Elemento, Ayala Triangle Gardens
Playmouse Pollock (2021) by Sean Go at Cat-Eye Creative, Atlanta USA
Artist Sean Go's works at Secret Fresh Gallery, Manila Philippines
Artist Sean Go's works at Secret Fresh Gallery for "Fallacies of Fantasy", Manila Philippines
Artist Sean Go's work titled Humpty the Iron Egg at Secret Fresh Gallery for "Fallacies of Fantasy", Manila Philippines

Career

Go has had multiple exhibitions in the USA, Indonesia, and the Philippines.[5][24][22][25][26] 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][27]

Go's work was included in the Xavier Art Festival in 2023.[28]

In April 2023, Go was included as a featured artist at "Agos" an exhibit on environmental conservation in the Philippines.[29] The show was held in Power Plant Mall in Rockwell.[30] His works in that show featured recycled materials and paints.[31] 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.[32][33]

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.[34][35][36]

Go was included at the "Elemento" show by Arthouse at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Manila, Philippines in November 2023 until December 2023.[37] The show aims to provide new alternatives to painting, through sustainable materials and processes.[38] Go offers a fresh take on Filipino pop art, and often creates works with superheroes who are reimagined as Filipino.[39]

According to Tatler, Go is represented by DF Agency.[40]

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.[41][36][42]

He has 4 master's degrees and 3 bachelor's degrees.[43][44][45] His bachelor's degrees were completed in 2015, and he completed his Law and MBA degrees in 2019.[46][47][48] His bachelor's degrees are in Business Administration, Economics, and Geography.[49][50] 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][51][6][52]

Go is a graduate of the International School of Manila in the Philippines.[53]

Go started a hedge fund, HGR Digital Asset Group in 2018.[49] Prior to becoming an artist, Go worked at Ernst and Young, Techstars, and HSBC.[54]

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.[55]

Recognition

Sean Go's work has been featured in fashion magazines including GQ, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, L'Officiel, Wonderland, and Esquire.[5][56][14][23] 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, Manila Bulletin, and Philippine Star. Sean Go's works have been collected businessmen including Sam Zell, Chris Klaus, and the Lucio Tan family.[45] Go's works are also collected by celebrities like Jo Koy and Daniel Dae Kim.[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.[57]

Humpty the Iron Egg (2023) by Sean Go at Secret Fresh Gallery
Sean Go art displayed at a DF Agency Exhibit at Jakarta Art Moments Art Fair in 2023
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 PickUP Dragon artwork for PickUp Coffee's artist collaboration planner in Manila, Philippines

Personal life

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.[55] Go sponsors MMA and boxing fighters, among them former WBC Latino Champion Ron Cruz and WBA Intercontinental champion Kareem Hackett.[55]

Go is the founder of the UC Berkeley Club of the Philippines and serves in the executive committee.[50]

References

  1. 1 2 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.
  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.
  4. 1 2 "Artist Sean Go is a Contemporary Asian Picasso". www.lofficielmonaco.com.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Painter Sean Go is a Virtuoso of Artistic Intelligence". Harper's Bazaar Việt Nam.
  6. 1 2 "8-Time Degree Holder Sean Go Is The "It Man" of Our Contemporary Art Renaissance".
  7. 1 2 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. ↑ "How Sean Go Connects With His Filipino Roots Through Pop Expressionist Art".
  13. ↑ "10 Filipino contemporary artists at Art Moments Jakarta 2023".
  14. 1 2 Staff, Wonderland (October 23, 2023). "Artist And Polymath Sean Go: A Profile". Wonderland.
  15. ↑ Suralta, Bryle B. (July 1, 2022). "This New York-Based Filipino Artist Is Carving Out His Place in the Pop Art World". Esquire. Philippines.
  16. ↑ Valigursky, Michelle (August 10, 2022). "Childhood Nostalgia, Consumerism, and the Big Business of Pop Appropriation Art". Goizueta Business School. Retrieved November 18, 2022.
  17. ↑ "Sean Go: The Mundane, the Ironic, and the Sublime". 11 December 2022.
  18. ↑ Redactie, Door (November 12, 2022). "Artist Sean Go Challenges Cultural Hegemony". Mashable. Benelux.
  19. ↑ "Meet Sean Go, the Andy Warhol of the Philippines - PAPER Magazine".
  20. ↑ Girl, Galore (November 15, 2023). "500 Years from Now, Artist Sean Go's Paintings will be in Spaceships". Galore.
  21. ↑ https://usa.inquirer.net/142235/surreal-art-meets-bubblegum-pop-in-this-new-york-based-filipino-artists-creations
  22. 1 2 3 Finkle, Jordan (June 15, 2023). "Pop Artist Sean Go Crackles Dreams And Nightmares Into Absurd Masterpieces". Haute Living.
  23. 1 2 https://www.ellecanada.com/vip/elle-extra/filipino-artist-sean-go-uses-bubblegum-pop-muses-to-create-surreal-paintings-1?fbclid=IwAR1V7-KQv1FMPeAx18SvckpR3ralCPwBIn77zxOgtzF7uXyL2XdJYiXD18c
  24. ↑ "Artist Sean Go is the new prince of pop art". Gulf Times. June 17, 2023.
  25. ↑ Madarang, Catalina Ricci S. (June 19, 2023). "What to expect: NY-based Pinoy artist to launch pop art in San Juan".
  26. ↑ Rebuyas, Mike (April 12, 2023). "This Ain't Your Mickey Mouse: Sean Go Talks About Remixing Pop Art".
  27. ↑ "Derek Flores of DF Art Agency on Representing Contemporary Artists and Tips on Collecting Art".
  28. ↑ "Xavier Art Fest 2023".
  29. ↑ Dy-Zulueta, Dolly. "'Mandalorian' art, Filipino artists in exhibit for environmental conservation". Philstar.com.
  30. ↑ "Filipino artists unite to spark conversations and inspire ch". malaya.com.ph. April 24, 2023.
  31. ↑ "Art exhibit 'Agos' gathers Filipino artists to spark environmental change through creative expression".
  32. ↑ Nisay, J. T. (April 25, 2023). "From creative expression flows environmental awareness in 'Agos' exhibit | JT Nisay".
  33. ↑ Moya, Jove. "'Agos' exhibition sparks environmental talks, brings Filipino artists together". Tatler Asia.
  34. ↑ "Pop appropriation artist Sean Go to hold first solo exhibit in PH". Manila Bulletin.
  35. ↑ "Filipino art shines at prestigious international art fair". Manila Bulletin.
  36. 1 2 "NY-based Filipino artist Sean Go brings his pop art universe to Manila". Art+ Magazine.
  37. ↑ "ELEMENTO by The Art House and Search Mindscape Foundation - When In Manila". www.wheninmanila.com. November 21, 2023.
  38. ↑ "'ELEMENTO'". malaya.com.ph. November 22, 2023.
  39. ↑ Republic, Team Manila (December 6, 2023). "ELEMENTO by The Art House and Search Mindscape Foundation".
  40. ↑ "Derek Flores of DF Art Agency on Representing Contemporary Artists and Tips on Collecting Art".
  41. ↑ "Sean Go pushing boundaries of taste with art so complex, yet so simple". www.gq.co.za.
  42. ↑ "NYC Artist Sean Go Blending Cynicism and Hope through Pop Art". www.flaunt.com.
  43. ↑ Asia, The Beat. "Pop Appropriation Artist Sean Go to Hold Solo Exhibit in MNL". The Beat Manila.
  44. ↑ Valigursky, Michelle (August 10, 2022). "Childhood Nostalgia, Consumerism, and the Big Business of Pop Appropriation Art".
  45. 1 2 "Sean Go's Chimeric Creatures: Imperfectly Ethereal, Opening New Paradigms". www.lofficiel.at.
  46. ↑ Prestige Presentations (November 17, 2022). "From Finance Bigwig to Multifaceted Artist: How Sean Go Merges the Worlds of Art and Business". Fashion Week Daily (Press release).
  47. ↑ Dionora, Gelo (May 21, 2022). "Sean Go's Pop Art World is Playfully Serious". Mantle Magazine.
  48. ↑ "Sean Go, Emory JM/MBA '19". TI:GER by Emory University Law. September 11, 2019.
  49. 1 2 "Sean Go | Emory University Goizueta Business School". goizueta.emory.edu.
  50. 1 2 "Sean Go". International Alumni Network. October 5, 2015.
  51. ↑ https://metro.style/living/tips/sean-go/34988
  52. ↑ "Artist Sean Go livens up pop art scene with healthy sarcasm and parody". INQUIRER.net USA. February 24, 2023.
  53. ↑ "International School Manila... - International School Manila". www.facebook.com.
  54. ↑ Redactie, Door (November 12, 2022). "Artist Sean Go Challenges Cultural Hegemony". Mashable Benelux.
  55. 1 2 3 "How Filipino Artist Sean Go Challenges Cultural Norms Through his Pop Art Multiverse". Deadline News. March 14, 2023.
  56. ↑ "Sean Go Is Carving Out His Place in the Pop Art World".
  57. ↑ "Pick Up Your Holidays With These Treats From PICKUP COFFEE". nylonmanila.com. December 20, 2023.
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