Artist Sean Go rocks and roll without fear, especially in his artistic practice.
An artist’s job is to inspire those without dreams. When you stare at Rodin’s Le Penseur, marvel at Jeff Koons’ Balloon Dog, or are hypnotized by James Turrell’s surreal installations, the point is to expand human consciousness in an aesthetically pleasing manner. In provoking the senses, art is an intellectual activity – one more about the meaning of the works than the technique, which serves to enhance the former. Sean Go, an emerging international artist from the Philippines, studies intensively messages with a deep respect to art history, and intelligently alludes to the greatest artists of several generations, including Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, and Jeff Koons.
For Sean Go, his canvases are a theater of disoriented yet captivating beauty. Go’s prominence and reputational credibility began with his Filipino Nostalgia series. Go, a minority living in the USA, used art to recount subtly and overtly, the feelings of inferiority often socialized into interactions with AAPI and people who are different, whether it was racially, or socio-economically. For Go, his investigative topics including the capitalist mechanisms that influence societal trends such as consumerism, virtue signaling, and hypocrisy, are best captured through intelligently articulated artworks. Among these witty delights is Degustation Disney, Barbie Wawa, and the Mousefather, all of which pack dark humor secretly while appealing to a kid, apt for the companies that create illusions of what we need and want.
Beyond the depiction of childhood cravings and callings, Go, who holds 8 degrees from Ivy League Schools and the highest ranked schools in the world, is an artist who prioritizes reflection, contemplation, and societal impact with his works. Because of Go’s background in finance and venture capital, his alma mater such as Emory University and UC Berkeley have featured him in magazines to show how business can apply to fine art, and break notions of what a business graduate and MBA can do. Go is managed by Derek Flores of DF Agency, one of the premier art management agencies in Asia.
For Go, his works like Leviathan Awakens and Godzilla vs. Ghidorah counters what is currently being done with art that is realist, as Go’s work introduces a free-flowing spray paint layer that allows his mystical creatures to retain their integral form while pushing the boundaries of media that is often viewed as performative or confined to street art. By consciously using street art references, Sean Go, an NYC-based artist, sings metaphorical odes to Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Banksy, who have ties to New York City as well.
While Go primarily paints, he has also worked as an activation model at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City. Go is also working on a sculpture series featuring Star Wars helmets fashioned with the executive presence of the terra cotta warriors and the Greek Busts discovered in Greece. Glamorous and avant-garde, Go’s trajectory as an artist is likely to balloon in the near future to unprecedented elevations.
Go’s works have been shown all over Southeast Asia, in both museums and art galleries. Go’s attractively seductive narratives initially seem simple, but underlay complexity that makes his art profound. Go’s recent show at Secret Fresh Gallery, which is a universally adored venue where artists like record-breaking Ronald Ventura, and celebrities show their works, was a massive success. Go, almost an art celebrity himself, was fortunate to have a relative quick ascension to success and art historical legitimacy in Southeast Asia. However, Go’s foray into Europe suggests a new path with many options and brim with opportunities is to be expected of an artist with such talent. Back in New York, Go has enlisted the backing of major real estate developers and luxury real estate development agencies. Go even made a basketball hoop for the late Sam Zell. In Asia, Go’s intellectual provenance is popular with storied families especially those who are considered business tycoons. Go’s works has even reached the homes of LA AAPI celebrities like Jokoy and Daniel Dae Kim.
In newspapers, Sean Go has been described as the Prince of Pop Art, a polymath, and a renaissance man. For us, it is often easy to overuse the word “greatness” in art. However, this would be the exact word choice we would use to describe Sean Go – he is exactly someone who desires absolute greatness, and he will likely complete his goal if his path remains unwavering.
Artist Sean Go rocks and roll without fear, especially in his artistic practice
Wolf in Pig’s Clothing – 36 x 36 in, Acrylic, Spray, and Leather Paint on Canvas, Grease Pencil
Wolf in Cow’s Clothing – Acrylic, Spray, and Leather Paint on Canvas, Grease Pencil.
Rock and Roll Toons – 48 x 48 in, Acrylic, Spray, and Leather Paint on Canvas, Grease Pencil.
Mechanical Bull – 36 x 36 in, Acrylic, Spray, and Leather Paint on Canvas, Grease Pencil.
Godzilla Vs. Ghidorah – 48 x 48 in, Acrylic, Spray, and Leather Paint on Canvas, Grease Pencil.
Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing – 36 x 36 in, Acrylic, Spray, and Leather Paint on Canvas, Grease Pencil.
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
