Sean Go is a Filipino pop appropriation artist artist. Go incorporates Disney characters, comic book heroes, and villains to comment on societal themes, including capitalism, perceptions of beauty, and coloniality in the Philippines.[1]
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 stated that, coming from a conservative family, art was not a field approved of by his elders. However, the passing of a close friend from cancer shifted his perspective on prioritizing what one should 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 encouraged as a career path in traditional households.[20] Go also hopes to destigmatize anime and cartoon fandom culture.[21]
Career
Go's work was included in the inaugural MOCAF (Modern and Contemporary Arts Festival) in Manila in 2022, by art agent Derek Flores. His art was also featured in Art Moments Jakarta and Indoseni's "Wave to the Moon" exhibition in 2022.[1][22]
In April 2023, Go was included as a featured artist at "Agos," an exhibit on environmental conservation in the Philippines.[23] The show was held in Power Plant Mall in Rockwell.[24] His works in that show featured recycled materials and paints.[25]
In June 2024, Go held a solo show titled "Victory Road" in Secret Fresh Gallery, which had a Pokemon-based theme.[26] “Victory Road” explored themes of triumph, perseverance, and resilience.[27] The exhibit celebrated individual journeys.[28][29] Go was included in the exhibit titled Pearls of Color in London at the D Contemporary Gallery in September 2024, an event partnering with the Philippine Embassy in the UK.[30]
In January 2025, Go held his first solo show in Osaka, Japan, at YOD Gallery.[31] Go's work referenced street art and animals and monsters in popular culture, including Godzilla and Drogon.[32]
In February 2025, Go held a solo show titled "We Are the Angels in Marble" in PAB Aguiar Branco in St Germain, Paris.[33] Go's work focused on religious iconography. [34]
Work
Sean Go's Humpty the Iron Egg at The Manila Hotel in March of 2024Sean Go's Disco Bolt Dragon the Jakarta Art Moments Art Festival of 2024
Go was based in New York City from 2020 to 2022 while pursuing his master's degrees 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.[20][42] Due to his background in finance, Go often incorporates capitalist critiques in his art.[43] Go has used reference materials from Marvel, Pokémon, and Star Wars, using a satirical style.[44] Go has cited childhood parables, popular television and movies, and Bible stories as inspiration.[45]
Go's works deal with the themes of the ephemerality of beauty and the interplay between perceptions and reality.[46][47] Go's work also explores the fetishization of women’s bodies and the dangers of commercial systems that market sexuality and sensuality.[48]
Go uses spray paint, colors, and crayons to communicate a child-like tone in his paintings.[49] In 2024, Go launched art toys with platform Toki.[50]
Go's collaboration with PickUP Coffee was released in December 2023, featuring the PickUP Dragon.[53] Go has also collaborated with Manila Hotel and JAG Jeans.[15]
Personal life
Go has a vestibular balance disorder, which caused balance issues growing up; some commentators suggest that this condition has impacted his art.[54] Go is a fan of martial arts and combat sports. He has trained with UFC and Bellator champion Lyman Good and four-time champion and Olympic boxer Brian Viloria.[18] Go sponsors MMA and boxing fighters, including former WBC Latino Champion Ron "Diablo" Cruz and WBA Intercontinental champion Kareem Hackett.[18][55]
Go is the founder of the UC Berkeley Club of the Philippines and serves on the executive committee.[9]
Gallery
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 Lucky Mandalorian at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Manila, Philippines
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