Surreal art meets bubblegum pop in this New-York based Filipino artist’s creations
Photos from sean.go.art, sean.go/Instagram
Women as art don’t get too much of a nod these days, often seen as portrayal of gender inequality. But Filipino artist Sean Go has whimsically projected beautiful figures with a dash of Willy Wonka-style and Salvador Dalí-like artwork.
With his works often satirical and parodic, ready to challenge this era’s rage, they still hold deep meanings that may capture the interests of many who appreciate contemporary art.
Often called “the Andy Warhol of the Philippines,” he bravely explores the contested significance of muses in this modern times. He created an artwork where female poses alongside Willy Wonka-like sweets and Salvador Dalí-style pieces showcasing innate desires of humans.
Warhol’s influence echoes with his appreciation of glamour while being in the world of business and finance. In an interview with CNN during his first exhibit in the Philippines, he shares how he juggles his passion for art and his expertise in business.
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“The balance is delicate, I don’t think they’re diametrically opposed with artists like Andy Warhol said, something along the lines of the best form of art is being good in business,” said Go.
Decoding his bubblegum pop art
One of his creations, “Candy Factory,” with Ana Lizana as the model, Go’s larger-than-life canvas is a display of wonder and curiosity, carefully capturing the joy connected with pleasure.
His piece “Gummy” is an explosion of neon colors with model Brandy Gordon as the muse. This piece shows appreciation of the female curves while subtly entering the complications of a commercialized system that insinuates sensuality.
“Eve” and “Gummy” artworks; photos from sean.go.art/Instagram
Meanwhile, “Eve” where Agatha Katerina is the centerpiece, Greco-Roman statues and inflatable snakes join her, challenging the ideas of temptation, adornment and worship — a witty and modern twist on iconic themes that already attested to time.
On the side of his Filipino heritage, his piece “Tender Juicy” is a jab at colonial mentality, exploring the desires of Filipino women to be “whiter” by using skin whitening products and treatments, prompting a second look at the reality of Western fairy tales.
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A global pop art odyssey
Showcased in Indonesia last 2022, his piece “Triple Elvis” was included in Jakarta’s Art: 1 New Museum in Indonesia for Art Moments and also in Indoseni’s Wave to the Moon exhibition.
Born in Manila, this Filipino artist’s global journey took him to achieve eight degrees from UC Berkeley, Emory University, Columbia University School of Architecture and Fashion Institute of Technology.
Currently, he continues his artistic odyssey in Paris aiming for a master’s of art in Parsons School of Design. Balancing art and commerce, this Filipino artist is painting in vibrant hues with in-depth meanings.
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