Andres Serrano: Portraits of America
The Maillol Museum, in collaboration with the Tempora agency, is hosting an exhibition of photographs by artist Andres Serrano, offering deeper insight into an America immersed in a pivotal electoral contest.
More than just a photographer, Serrano views himself as an “artist with a camera.” His meticulously staged images reveal a frequently unsettling portrayal of American life. His work delves into themes of religion, death, sex, politics, poverty, and violence—capturing various dimensions of an America that is both grand in its self-assuredness and fragile in its contradictions.
Renowned for his mastery of portraiture, Serrano elevates contemporary figures by drawing from classical influences, particularly ancient painting, which he blends with pop culture. His perspective is as sharp as a weapon aimed at a society rife with contradictions, with Donald Trump emerging as both a symptom and symbol of this disarray—a focal point of the exhibition at the Musée Maillol.
While some view his work as provocative, others see it as a candid reflection of the world. Serrano often highlights the taboos that puritanical America prefers to keep hidden. Given the provocative nature of some of his images, which have been vandalized in previous exhibitions, a dedicated space will be set aside for them. In total, 89 iconic works addressing the various themes explored by the artist will be on display for visitors to experience.
About the Author
“ I’ve never called myself a photographer. I studied painting and sculpture and see myself as an artist with a camera.
I learned everything I know about art from Marcel Duchamp who taught me that anything, including a photograph, could be a work of art.”
Andres Serrano is an American photographer and artist renowned for his provocative and thought-provoking work that explores complex themes such as religion, death, sexuality, politics, and social issues. Born on August 15, 1950, in New York City to a Honduran father and a Cuban mother, Serrano grew up in a multicultural environment that influenced his artistic vision.
He gained international recognition in the late 1980s with his controversial photograph *Piss Christ*, which depicted a crucifix submerged in a container of the artist’s urine. This piece, part of his larger exploration of religious iconography, sparked widespread debate about freedom of expression and censorship in art.
Serrano’s work is characterized by its careful composition and striking use of color and light, often drawing from classical art traditions to frame contemporary subjects. While his imagery often challenges societal taboos, it also serves as a poignant reflection on the human condition, capturing the tensions between the sacred and the profane, the beautiful and the grotesque.
Throughout his career, Serrano has exhibited his work in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide, including the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Royal Academy of Arts in London. His art continues to evoke strong reactions, making him a central figure in discussions about the role of art in society and the boundaries of artistic expression.
Andres Serrano: Portraits of America
through 29 October 2024
MUSÉE MAILLOL, Paris, France
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