Challenging Perceptions by Reimagining Familiar Objects
Organized by The Bridge Arts Foundation, the "Urban Pulse" Open Call Exhibition is now on view at The Scholart Selection Gallery in San Gabriel, California, running through February 22, 2025.
As part of the exhibition, The Bridge Arts Foundation’s Art Director, Tia Xu, sat down with several participating artists to discuss their creative process and artistic vision. In this interview, we are delighted to feature a conversation with artist Sean Guo.
—— Q&A ——
Tia Xu: Could you please share your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in art?
Photo courtesy of the artist.
Sean Guo: I have a background in both Product Design and Engineering, which might seem like an unusual combination at first. But for me, both disciplines are deeply connected through problem-solving, material exploration, and precision in execution. Engineering gave me a strong foundation in analytical thinking and the technical aspects of materials, while design allowed me to explore creativity, aesthetics, and the human experience.
What truly inspired me to pursue a career in art and design was the creation process of everyday objects. I’ve always been fascinated by how things come to life—from raw materials to finished products—and how they shape our interactions with the world. The way a simple form can hold both function and emotion intrigued me early on, pushing me to blur the lines between design, art, and technology. My work today is a reflection of that curiosity, always questioning how objects can be more than just tools—how they can evoke meaning, challenge perceptions, and redefine our relationships with space and nature.
Tia Xu: What does "Urban Pulse" mean to you, and how does your artwork explore this theme? Can you tell us the story behind your artwork from the exhibition?
Sean Guo, The Fan, 2019, Steel, 20 x 20 x 12 in. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Sean Guo: "Urban Pulse" represents the rhythm of city life—the constant movement, innovation, and tension between tradition and modernity. For me, it is about how objects, spaces, and memories shape our identity within the urban landscape. Cities are layered with history and transformation, and my work explores this interplay by reexamining everyday objects that often go unnoticed yet hold deep personal and cultural significance.
For this exhibition, I presented a handcrafted metal fan that challenges the conventional perception of a daily object. This piece is a reflection on my design process—bridging the roles of designer and artist to redefine functionality through artistic expression. The fan’s singular one-piece frame, inspired by constructivism and abstractionism, embodies both structural purity and aesthetic boldness, mirroring the balance between order and chaos in urban environments.
More than just an exploration of form, this piece is deeply personal. Fans have always been present in my life, carrying memories of comfort, rhythm, and movement—elements that parallel the pulse of the city itself. By revisiting the simplicity of this familiar object, I invite viewers to reflect on their own connections to the everyday artifacts that surround them, reimagining their potential for beauty, meaning, and transformation within the urban experience.
Photo courtesy of the artist.
Tia Xu: How does your cultural background influence your art?
Sean Guo: My cultural background is deeply embedded in the objects I design, as I see objects as materialized expressions of culture. Having studied engineering in China and design in the U.S., I navigate between two distinct yet complementary ways of thinking—one rooted in precision, structure, and functionality, and the other in artistic exploration, human experience, and conceptual depth.
In China, engineering taught me to respect materials, efficiency, and technical rigor, shaping the way I approach construction and problem-solving. Later, my design education in the U.S. encouraged me to break conventions, experiment with form, and embrace a more fluid, user-centric approach to creation. This duality allows me to see objects not just as functional tools, but as carriers of history, philosophy, and emotion.
Each object I create embodies this cultural dialogue. Whether it's a handcrafted fan that reinterprets traditional forms through modern abstraction or interactive lighting that explores human connection, my work is always about finding harmony between heritage and innovation. Through design, I aim to materialize cultural narratives, inviting people to rethink the objects they interact with daily and the deeper meanings they hold.
Tia Xu: What materials and techniques do you prefer to use in your art, and could you explain your choices?
Sean Guo: The materials I use vary by project, as I believe material choice should always serve the purpose of the design rather than be a constraint. Whether it’s metal, paper, or composite materials, I select them based on their ability to convey the intended concept, functionality, and sensory experience. Each material carries its own history, properties, and cultural significance, which adds depth to the final piece.
In terms of techniques, I heavily rely on digital tools and 3D modeling for ideation and development. Rapid prototyping plays a crucial role in my process—I use 3D printing, CNC machining, and laser cutting to quickly visualize and test concepts before committing to the final execution. This iterative workflow allows me to explore form, structure, and interaction efficiently, ensuring that each piece achieves the right balance between aesthetic, function, and meaning.
Ultimately, my approach is about fluidity—combining technology-driven precision with the tactile and expressive nature of materials. By leveraging both, I create works that feel intentional, refined, and emotionally resonant.
Tia Xu: What emotions or ideas do you hope viewers will take away from experiencing your artwork?
Sean Guo: I hope my artwork encourages viewers to reconsider their relationship with the everyday objects that surround them. In our fast-paced, utility-driven world, we often overlook the beauty, history, and potential for innovation embedded in the most familiar items. Through my work, I want to spark a moment of reflection, inviting people to see beyond the surface and question the deeper meaning of the things they interact with daily.
By reimagining commonplace objects, I aim to evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity. I want viewers to experience a shift in perspective, where something as simple as a fan or a light can become a symbol of creativity, functionality, and personal connection. Ultimately, I hope my work opens up a dialogue about how we can find beauty and meaning in the most unexpected places, challenging us to rethink not just the objects, but our daily routines and the spaces we inhabit.
Photo courtesy of the artist.
Tia Xu: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?
Sean Guo: In addition to my work as a multidisciplinary designer and artist, I’m actually a full-time footwear designer, where I specialize in both performance and casual sneakers. It’s an exciting field that constantly pushes me to innovate and find new ways to blend form, function, and comfort. Designing footwear gives me a unique set of challenges, but it’s also an area where I can apply my design thinking to enhance both the user experience and aesthetic appeal.
Art creation, on the other hand, serves as a kind of meditation for me. It’s a space where I can disconnect from the demands of day-to-day work and explore ideas freely without limitations. I find it fascinating to switch between different creative categories and processes—whether it's footwear, product design, or art. Each has its own rhythm and mindset, but all of them ultimately feed into my larger creative journey. It’s in this constant movement between disciplines that I find inspiration and growth, constantly evolving my approach to both art and design.
ABOUT OPEN CALL EXHIBITION PROGRAM
The Bridge Arts Foundation's "Urban Pulse" Open Call Exhibition Installation View, Photo: ©The Bridge Arts Foundation / Luna Hao
Bridge Arts Foundation's Open Call Exhibition Program is committed to supporting emerging artists by providing them with opportunities to showcase their work. "Urban Pulse" features 16 outstanding artists selected from over 100 submissions through a rigorous jury process involving art professionals. This exhibition runs from January 20th to February 22nd, 2025, at The Scholart Selection Gallery, offering a dynamic exploration of the energy, complexity, and human connections within urban spaces.
ABOUT ARTIST
Sean Guo
Sean Guo is an industrial designer and multidisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles. With a keen focus on design and 3D creation, he has honed his craft through years of experience working in top-tier industrial design studios, interior design studios, and fabrication labs. Sean approaches his work at the intersection of design, technology, and fashion with a dynamic perspective. His bold and imaginative design solutions seamlessly blend form, function, and beauty.
Sean’s recent exhibitions include the 2025 Prospect Artist Residency “Shuwang” in Hangzhou, China; the 2024 Ecotopia: A’Design 40x40 Exhibition in New York, US; the 2024 group show "26462 Suns" in London, UK; and the 2024 group show "Un-Defined Sensibility" in Los Angeles, US.