Sean McGuinness : Strange Beast
Inspired by the Godzilla movies he watched as a child, Columbia based artist
Sean McGuinness has spent the last twenty years turning his fascination with
Japanese kaiju into art and photo-based web comics.
His eclectic work is featured in the exhibition Sean McGuinness: Strange
Beast at the FCM Waters Gallery, April 24 - August 4, 2023. The exhibition is
presented by the Florence County Museum and sponsored by the Florence
Regional Arts Alliance.
McGuinness refers to his art as Kaiju Punk, emphasizing the social and political
message over formal artistic training. In that way, his work is not unlike the
monster movies that inspired them.
“Godzilla and subsequent kaiju films used low budget practical effects that
wouldn’t compare to modern Hollywood CGI. These films were made with the
tools that were available at the time. Capturing the idea was the most important
part,” says Waters Gallery curator Stephen Motte.
Under the surface of their deliberate humor, McGuinness’ satirical images are
equally serious. In 2014, his work was featured in the exhibition Hiroshima…
Never Forget.
Originally a Japanese protest against nuclear war, McGuinness now uses
Godzilla and other cinematic monsters as visual metaphors for modern American
cultural issues.
Sean McGuinness has been exhibited at the Columbia Museum of Art, ArtFields,
and various other venues in the state. His work can be found at
