Drifter - Solo Exhibition by Sean Chao
2062 Sawtelle Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90025 424.246.7626
Drifter - Solo Exhibition by Sean Chao
May 20th - June 6th, 2017
Reception for Sean Chao May 20th 6:30-10pm, 2017
Opening Reception with the Artist:
Saturday, May 20th, 6:30 - 10:00 PM
Artist's Statement
Last year my first solo exhibition, “Two Together,” was a tribute to my old dog’s passing. For fifteen years she was there with me since I immigrated to the States from Taiwan. I was very lucky to have her companionship. Soon after the exhibition I went back to visit Taiwan for the first time in ten years. I visited my family, old friends and then traveled around the island. Many things have changed but some stayed the same. It was a nostalgic moment.
This year my second solo exhibition, “Drifter,“ is about a short narrative of the little guy’s journey on the river. He drifted from place to place, embraced the nature and made friends along the way -- hoping to find his roots or perhaps to start a new beginning. The narrative reflects to my experience from visiting Taiwan. It reminded me of my own journey to the states; moved from place to place in the past fifteen years.
I hope this exhibition can relate to your own experiences. I wish you will discover what you’re searching for on your current and future journey.
About Sean Chao
Originally from Taipei, Taiwan, Sean Chao now finds home in Los Angeles. In 2007, Chao graduated from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA, with a BFA in Illustration. He learned how to create in a variety of mediums, from drawing to painting to sculpture. He found that he liked making art with his hands.
Chao creates his miniature sculptures in a small studio with Sculpey (a type of polymer clay), bass wood, balsa wood, paper, wire, and painstaking precision. He creates a delicate balance in his sculptures by showing enough detail to illicit amazement and yet enough imperfection to reveal that they’re lovingly handmade.
Nature is a recurring theme in Chao’s work. He often depicts dense forests filled with plants, animals, and insects. He’s also portrayed ocean scenes and even space scenes. He creates a lot of movement in every scene so that each one feels like a moment frozen in time. Watching people view Chao’s artwork, you can’t help but notice their looks of awe as they pore over all the minute details and then their smiles as they walk away. So his intention with his artwork to offer a bit of joy to people seems to be working. Art that tries to change the world - even in a small way—may not be so simplistic after all.