Sean Go Explained

Sean Go
Birth Date:20 July 1993
Birth Place:Manila, Philippines
Occupation:Visual artist, sculptor

Sean Go is a Filipino pop appropriation artist born in 1993. 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 artistic references include Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Salvador Dali, Maurizio Cattelan, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Botticelli, Praxiteles, Ang Kiukok, and Juan Luna.[2]

Early life and education

Prior to becoming a pop artist, Go completed seven degrees from UC Berkeley, Emory, Columbia, and the Fashion Institute of Technology.[3] [4] He has 4 master's degrees and 3 bachelor's degrees.[5] His bachelor's degrees were completed in 2015, and he completed his Law and MBA degrees in 2019.[6] [7] His bachelor's degrees are in Business Administration, Economics, and Geography.[8] [9] 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.[10] [11] [12] [13] Go is currently a Master's of Art in Fashion student at Parson's School of Design in Paris.[14]

Go has studied film at USC.[15] Go is a graduate of the International School of Manila.[16]

Go started a hedge fund, HGR Digital Asset Group in 2018.[8] Prior to becoming an artist, Go worked at Ernst and Young, Techstars, and HSBC.[17]

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.[18] [19] 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.[20] Go also hopes to use his platform to destigmatize anime and cartoon fandom culture, as childish animations was often seen as "uncool" growing up.[21]

Career

Go has had exhibitions in the USA, Indonesia, and the Philippines.[22] [23] [24] [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 and in 2024.[28] [29]

In April 2023, Go was included as a featured artist at "Agos" an exhibit on environmental conservation in the Philippines.[30] The show was held in Power Plant Mall in Rockwell.[31] His works in that show featured recycled materials and paints.[32] Go's painting, the 3 Blind-X-Mice used a unique pigment made from recycled rubber slippers, which are common footwear in the Philippines.[33] [34]

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. Go had a group show in Jakarta, Indonesia, for Art Moments Jakarta in August 2023.[35] [36] [37]

Go was included at the "Elemento" show by Arthouse at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Manila, Philippines in November 2023 until December 2023.[38] 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. [39] Go offers a fresh take on Filipino pop art, and often creates works with superheroes who are reimagined as Filipino.[40]

Go's Humpty the Iron Egg Sculpture was displayed at the Hatch Art exhibit at the Manila Hotel.[41] Go's work was made from acrylic paint and fiberglass.[42]

In June 2024, Go held a solo show titled "Victory Road" in Secret Fresh Gallery, which has a Pokemon based theme.[43] “Victory Road” takes on the themes of triumph, perseverance, and the resilience of the human spirit.[44] The exhibit celebrates the unique paths people take.[45] [46]

A criticism of Go's work is the potentially limited audience from using nuanced cultural references.[47] [48] [49]

Work

Go uses references to toy brands such as Barbie, Playmobil, Thomas the Tank Engine, Lego, and Little Tikes.[50] [51] Go's works often remix combinations of pop culture such as brand logos with popular characters such as Optimus Prime from Transformers.[50] Go also combines characters from different worlds - for example: Iron Man and Humpty Dumpty to create Humpty the Iron Egg.[52] Go also combines Japanese anime characters with Filipino food, which include characters from Hello Kitty, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Naruto.[53] Food is also a topic of interest for Go, particularly cuisine from the Philippines.[54] [55] [56]

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.[57] [58] Due to his background in finance, Go often inserts capitalist critiques in his art.[59] Go has used reference materials from Marvel, Pokémon, and Star Wars, using a satirical style.[60] Go has often been cited to be inspired by childhood parables, popular television and movies, and Bible stories.[61]

Go's works deal with the themes of how beauty is ephemeral and how the way perceptions and reality interplay together affect society.[62] [63] Go's work also studies the fetishization of women’s bodies and the dangers of a commercial system that heavily markets sexuality and sensuality.[64]

Go uses spray paint, colors, and crayons to communicate a child-like tone in his paintings.[24] In 2024, Go launched art toys with platform Toki. [65]

Recognition

Go's work has been featured in GQ, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, L'Officiel, Wonderland, and Esquire.[22] [66] [56] [64]

Go's collaboration with PickUP Coffee was released in December 2023, featuring the PickUP Dragon.[67] Go has also collaborated with Manila Hotel and with JAG Jeans.[68]

Personal life

Go has a vestibular balance disorder which meant that his balance was often severely off growing up.[69] Go is a 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.[18] Go sponsors MMA and boxing fighters, among them former WBC Latino Champion Ron "Diablo" Cruz and WBA Intercontinental champion Kareem Hackett.[18] [70]

Go is the founder of the UC Berkeley Club of the Philippines and serves in the executive committee.[9]

Notes and References

  1. Sean Go . . Sean Go making a name in Pop Art World with unique pieces . https://web.archive.org/web/20221118212142/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/videos/2022/10/18/Sean-Go-making-a-name-in-Pop-Art-World-with-unique-pieces.html. dead. November 18, 2022. . Philippines . October 18, 2022 . online video news segment interview .
  2. Web site: 'Agos' art exhibit aims to spark environmental action. https://web.archive.org/web/20230512105940/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/videos/2023/4/27/-Agos--art-exhibit-aims-to-spark-environmental-action.html. dead. May 12, 2023. cnn.
  3. Web site: Sean Go pushing boundaries of taste with art so complex, yet so simple. www.gq.co.za.
  4. Web site: NYC Artist Sean Go Blending Cynicism and Hope through Pop Art. www.flaunt.com.
  5. Web site: Childhood Nostalgia, Consumerism, and the Big Business of Pop Appropriation Art. Michelle. Valigursky. August 10, 2022.
  6. News: Sean Go's Pop Art World is Playfully Serious. Gelo. Dionora. May 21, 2022 . Mantle Magazine .
  7. Web site: Sean Go, Emory JM/MBA '19. September 11, 2019. .
  8. Web site: Sean Go | Emory University Goizueta Business School. goizueta.emory.edu.
  9. Web site: Sean Go. October 5, 2015. International Alumni Network.
  10. Web site: Artist Sean Go is a Contemporary Asian Picasso. www.lofficielmonaco.com.
  11. https://metro.style/living/tips/sean-go/34988
  12. Web site: 8-Time Degree Holder Sean Go Is The "It Man" of Our Contemporary Art Renaissance.
  13. Web site: Artist Sean Go livens up pop art scene with healthy sarcasm and parody. February 24, 2023. INQUIRER.net USA.
  14. Web site: You Never Own Sean Go's Art, You Are Merely Safeguarding it for the Next Generation .
  15. Web site: Appropriation Artist Sean Go Inspires Possibilities Through Unconventional Paintings .
  16. Web site: International School Manila... - International School Manila. www.facebook.com.
  17. Web site: Artist Sean Go Challenges Cultural Hegemony. Door. Redactie. November 12, 2022. Mashable Benelux.
  18. Web site: How Filipino Artist Sean Go Challenges Cultural Norms Through his Pop Art Multiverse. March 14, 2023. Deadline News.
  19. Web site: You Never Own Sean Go's Art, You Are Merely Safeguarding it for the Next Generation. www.glamour.co.za.
  20. https://web.archive.org/web/20240127134258/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/videos/2024/1/26/Catching-up-with-Artist-Sean-Go.html Article title
  21. Web site: Kendi Kuşağının en Önemli Filipinli Sanatçısı: Sean Go .
  22. Web site: Painter Sean Go is a Virtuoso of Artistic Intelligence. Harper's Bazaar Việt Nam.
  23. Web site: Artist Sean Go is the new prince of pop art. June 17, 2023. Gulf Times.
  24. Web site: Pop Artist Sean Go Crackles Dreams And Nightmares Into Absurd Masterpieces. Jordan. Finkle. June 15, 2023. Haute Living.
  25. Web site: What to expect: NY-based Pinoy artist to launch pop art in San Juan. Catalina Ricci S.. Madarang. June 19, 2023.
  26. Web site: This Ain't Your Mickey Mouse: Sean Go Talks About Remixing Pop Art. Mike. Rebuyas. April 12, 2023.
  27. Web site: Derek Flores of DF Art Agency on Representing Contemporary Artists and Tips on Collecting Art .
  28. Web site: Xavier Art Fest 2023 .
  29. Web site: Kendi Kuşağının en Önemli Filipinli Sanatçısı: Sean Go .
  30. Web site: 'Mandalorian' art, Filipino artists in exhibit for environmental conservation. Dolly. Dy-Zulueta. Philstar.com.
  31. Web site: Filipino artists unite to spark conversations and inspire ch. April 24, 2023. malaya.com.ph.
  32. Web site: Art exhibit 'Agos' gathers Filipino artists to spark environmental change through creative expression . 19 April 2023 .
  33. Web site: From creative expression flows environmental awareness in 'Agos' exhibit | JT Nisay. J. T.. Nisay. . April 25, 2023.
  34. Web site: 'Agos' exhibition sparks environmental talks, brings Filipino artists together. Jove. Moya. Tatler Asia.
  35. Web site: Pop appropriation artist Sean Go to hold first solo exhibit in PH. Manila Bulletin.
  36. Web site: Filipino art shines at prestigious international art fair. Manila Bulletin.
  37. Web site: NY-based Filipino artist Sean Go brings his pop art universe to Manila. Art+ Magazine.
  38. Web site: ELEMENTO by The Art House and Search Mindscape Foundation - When In Manila. November 21, 2023. www.wheninmanila.com.
  39. Web site: 'ELEMENTO'. November 22, 2023. malaya.com.ph.
  40. Web site: ELEMENTO by The Art House and Search Mindscape Foundation. Team Manila. Republic. December 6, 2023.
  41. Web site: HATCH 2024 to unveil local art brilliance with historic participation of a National Artist this March 2024 . .
  42. Web site: The Manila Bulletin's Hatch 6th Edition . March 2024 .
  43. Web site: LOOK: This Ongoing Art Exhibit is Inspired by Victory Road in "Pokémon" - when in Manila . 3 June 2024 .
  44. Web site: NY-based Filipino artist returns to Manila with Pokémon-inspired art exhibit . 4 June 2024 .
  45. Web site: 8 Must-see art exhibits this June: Bernardo Pacquing at Silverlens, Korean comics at the M, and more .
  46. Web site: Pokemon inspires exhibit . . 15 June 2024 .
  47. Web site: 'Victory Road': Sean Go Plays Around with Pokémon-Related Nostalgia . 17 June 2024 .
  48. Web site: Paris-Based Pop Artist Sean Go Translates Multiculturalism into Art . 2 July 2024 .
  49. Web site: 8 Must-see art exhibits this June: Bernardo Pacquing at Silverlens, Korean comics at the M, and more .
  50. Web site: Artist Sean Go on how Religion, Toys, and Food Brands influence Artistic Creativity. Written in Partnership with Amir. Bakian. June 6, 2023. The Village Voice.
  51. Web site: Childhood Nostalgia, Consumerism, and the Big Business of Pop Appropriation Art.
  52. Web site: This Ain't Your Mickey Mouse: Sean Go Talks About Remixing Pop Art. Mike. Rebuyas. April 12, 2023.
  53. Web site: Longing for Knows-talgia - the Art of Sean Go – Alike. www.alike.com.ph.
  54. Web site: How Sean Go Connects With His Filipino Roots Through Pop Expressionist Art.
  55. Web site: 10 Filipino contemporary artists at Art Moments Jakarta 2023.
  56. Web site: Artist And Polymath Sean Go: A Profile. Wonderland. Staff. October 23, 2023. Wonderland.
  57. https://web.archive.org/web/20240127134258/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/videos/2024/1/26/Catching-up-with-Artist-Sean-Go.html Article title
  58. News: This New York-Based Filipino Artist Is Carving Out His Place in the Pop Art World. Esquire. Philippines. Bryle B.. Suralta. July 1, 2022.
  59. News: Childhood Nostalgia, Consumerism, and the Big Business of Pop Appropriation Art. Michelle. Valigursky. August 10, 2022. Goizueta Business School. November 18, 2022.
  60. Web site: Sean Go: The Mundane, the Ironic, and the Sublime. 11 December 2022.
  61. News: Artist Sean Go Challenges Cultural Hegemony. Door. Redactie. November 12, 2022. Mashable. Benelux.
  62. Web site: 500 Years from Now, Artist Sean Go's Paintings will be in Spaceships. Galore. Girl. November 15, 2023. Galore.
  63. Web site: Surreal art meets bubblegum pop in this New-York based Filipino artist's creations. Jan 3, 2024. INQUIRER.net USA.
  64. Web site: Filipino Artist Sean Go Uses Bubblegum-Pop Muses to Create Surreal Paintings. Elle Canada.
  65. Web site: Tech . Manila Standard- . 2024-08-21 . Filipino pop appropriation artist Sean Go launches Limited-Edition Art Toy Collection with Toki . 2024-08-22 . Manila Standard . en-US.
  66. Web site: Sean Go Is Carving Out His Place in the Pop Art World.
  67. Web site: Pick Up Your Holidays With These Treats From PICKUP COFFEE. December 20, 2023. nylonmanila.com.
  68. Web site: Appropriation Artist Sean Go Inspires Possibilities Through Unconventional Paintings .
  69. https://www.papermag.com/meet-sean-go-the-andy-warhol-of-the-philippines
  70. Web site: Paris-based artist Sean Go spins iconic works by Botticelli, Koons and Klimt into surreal pop art . 13 March 2024 .

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