Artist Sean Go’s meandering path is expectedly unexpected. From finance to technology investing to art, few could have dotted the lines of his career path. As a visual artist, Go honors pop artists of the postwar era and takes the definition of cultural symbolism in art to a new astral dimension. Having exhibited in the USA, Indonesia, and the Philippines multiple times, artist Sean Go represents the avant garde artist class in South East Asia, setting trends in Filipino pop art and turning a few heads along the way.

Go’s work has been reviewed favorably as being raw with child-like curiosity, yet intellectual in an art historical sense. An artistically trained academic can clearly note that Go’s art is constantly in conversation with artists of Filipino culture like Ronald Ventura and Ang Kiukok. This is done thematically through exploration of themes, as well as visually, with colors that grace his pieces with anger, vigor, and vivacity. Go does not shy away from provocative themes like the façade of success covering despondence, the corruption of holy souls, and the unhealthiness of living in fantasies. While these may be cynical themes, Go also produces work that inspires us through works like “Jabba by Chanel, the New Fragrance for Huts,” which suggests themes of inclusivity for different species, and “Humpty the Iron Egg,” who is able to transform a traumatic “great fall” into becoming a legendary iron man equivalent in the baked eggs universe. 

Go’s most recent inclusion in a group show titled “Agos” argues for environmental change messaging through art. This is the first time that artists have collaborated on a show featuring grinded “tsinelas” or rubber slippers, which is used as a paint pigment. Through Go’s work “Pinoy Mandalorian,” the theme of recycling beskar armor to build a sustainable future is put front and center.  With Go’s successful exhibitions in Manila, Jakarta, and New York city, the artists’ work will likely be traveling to more countries globally, with Japan and China being immediate targets. 

Go is represented by Derek Flores of DF Agency, an artist talent agency that manages some of the most promising contemporary artists in Asia. Catch Artist Sean Go’s work on his Instagram and website. 

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