Rising multi-disciplinary artist Sean Go speaks up on filipino representation

Beneath the vibrant colors and bold strokes of Sean Go`s artwork lies a deeper, more personal struggle. Go lives with vestibular imbalance disorder, a condition that affects his inner ear and sense of balance, often leaving him feeling disoriented and unsteady. 

Sean Go photographed by Igor Kov (Kov Studio Paris)

The world, quite literally, can feel off-kilter. This physical experience has profoundly influenced his artistic vision, shaping his perspective on control, vulnerability, and the human condition. «It`s a constant reminder of how fragile our sense of equilibrium can be. The dizziness, the nausea, the feeling of being disconnected from my surroundings — it can be overwhelming at times», — Go explains. But rather than succumbing to the challenges of his condition, Go has found solace and empowerment through his art.

The act of painting becomes a form of meditation, a way to channel his anxieties and find moments of stillness amidst the internal chaos. «When I`m focused on the canvas, the world fades away. The dizziness subsides, and I find a sense of control that eludes me in everyday life», — he says. His art becomes a refuge, a space where he can explore the complexities of his condition and translate his experiences into visual metaphors.

Mecha Godzilla, in YOD Osaka Solo Exhibit  «Gods and Monsters», courtesy of Ryotaro Ishigami

The themes of imbalance, fragility, and the struggle for equilibrium are woven throughout his work. His figures, creatures, and monsters, often depicted in dynamic poses or moments of transition, reflect the precariousness of the human condition. They grapple with unseen forces, navigate uncertain terrain, and seek moments of stability amidst the chaos. Go`s art becomes a powerful reflection on our shared vulnerability, our constant negotiation with forces beyond our control.

«We often strive for control, but the truth is, we are constantly at the mercy of forces larger than ourselves. My condition has taught me to embrace that uncertainty, to find beauty in the impermanence of things», — Go observes. His art, born from a place of vulnerability and resilience, serves as a poignant reminder of our shared human experience, our constant dance between control and surrender.

Like other Asian artists and Filipino artists, Sean Go admits, that control often takes a different meaning in the art markets, when artists are now more easily classified into buckets of race and ethnicity, often without tackling the nature of the works that these artists speak about.

Go says: «I understand the importance of diversity and inclusion in the art world. It`s vital that artists from all backgrounds have a platform to share their stories. But sometimes, the emphasis on my ethnicity can feel reductive. I`m Filipino, yes, but I`m also so much more than that. I have Chinese ancestry, my experiences have been shaped by living in different countries including the USA, France, and Singapore, and I’ve been immersing myself in various cultures. My work is about «the human experience, about universal themes that transcend cultural boundaries. I want people to connect with my art on that level, not just see me as the Filipino artist»».

Sean Go’s Gods and Monsters at YOD Gallery / Editions Osaka

Beyond paintings: sculptures, mixed media, and fashion school 

For Go, his art extends beyond the canvas, as he creates surreal paintings that are mixed media, and sculptures too. Go, currently completing his studies at Parsons Paris, where he is a Master of Arts student in Fashion Studies, combines pop art with influences from the surrealist whimsicality and techniques reminiscent of Elsa Schiaparelli`s iconic designs, which was a brand that he got to work with at Parsons School of Design. Go engaged in archival research at the Schiaparelli fashion house and at Fondation Alaia, which has shaped inspire him create pieces that blend sweetness and candy-like feelings of being high from a sugar rush.

The Persistence of Ice Cream, featuring model Silvija Anna

Go`s fascination with Schiaparelli`s legacy began during his immersive experience working with the brand`s archives and the Fondation Alaia as part of Parson’s experiential curriculum. The designer`s groundbreaking collaborations with surrealist artists like Salvador Dalí and Jean Cocteau, coupled with her daring use of trompe-l`œil and unexpected materials, ignited Go`s imagination and led him to explore new artistic territories.

Go`s series of mixed media paintings showcases his masterful ability to create captivating collages that juxtapose disparate elements, drawing inspiration from Schiaparelli`s iconic motifs — the quirky dresses, the shoe hat, the skeleton dress, and the tears dress. These instantly recognizable symbols of surrealist fashion are reimagined and recontextualized within Go`s pop art aesthetic, creating a dynamic dialogue between past and present, high fashion and contemporary culture.

Woman in Gold, featuring model Luna Piombanti

Exhibiting at international capitals to showcase filipino talent

After all, Sean Go is not your typical artist. With a resume that boasts exhibitions in vibrant cultural hubs like Miami, Osaka, Paris, Manila, Jakarta, New York, Atlanta, and beyond, his trajectory has been anything but conventional. His canvases, explosions of color and texture that playfully dance between pop culture, mythology, and social commentary, have captivated audiences worldwide. But what truly sets Go apart is his unique background. 

Before conquering the art world, he navigated the realms of high finance and law, earning an MBA and a Masters’ in Law (from Emory University in 2019) — degrees not often found hanging alongside paint-splattered smocks. Prior, Go finished 3 degrees from UC Berkeley, and also has 3 additional degrees from Columbia’s Graduate School of Architecture, Fashion Institute of Technology, and Parson’s School of Design. This unexpected blend of analytical rigor and creative passion fuels his artistic vision, allowing him to approach his work with a unique perspective that transcends traditional boundaries. 

Sean Go`s canvases, which apply lessons from his studies, are vibrant playgrounds of satire and social commentary. He gleefully plucks iconic figures from the realms of pop culture — Godzilla, Mickey Mouse, Hello Kitty, superheroes, and anime characters — and reimagines them in unexpected scenarios, often juxtaposing their familiar motifs with thought-provoking themes. 

Go’s playful yet pointed approach challenges viewers to question the narratives we`ve come to accept, prompting a deeper examination of consumerism, identity, and the complexities of modern society. Go`s art is a delightful collision of high and low, where childhood nostalgia meets sharp social critique, inviting us to reconsider the icons and narratives that shape our world.

Sean Go is represented by DF Agency (Derek Flores) and YOD Gallery / YOD Editions in Japan