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.
Drifter Solo Exhibition - GR2 May 2017
Two Together - First Solo Exhibition - GR2 April 2016
Close Encounters - Dino Laboratory - Hammer Museum, January 2015
GR Super Awesome Exhibition - Oakland Museum of California, April 2014
Giant Robot Biennale 3 - Japanese American National Museum, September 2012
"Blithe Spirits" Two-artist Exhibition with artist Inés Estrad - GR2, 2011
"Forget Me Not" Two-artist Exhibition with artist Ming Ong - Giant Robot San Francisco, 2011
"The Untold Want" Two-artist Exhibition with artist Jared Andrew Schorr - Gallery Nucleus, 2010