Andres Serrano PooPoos His Photo Subjects
Katie Cordrey — December 16, 2008 — Unique
References: artcal.net & itn
In contrast to the reaction to Andres Serrano’s use of urine with Christ on a cross, his SH_T exhibit is ‘understated,’ if you can call wall-high photographs of excrement an understatement.
Serrano claims his underlying intent is always to create beauty in his work. While he may be practicing his craft in the shadow of Surrealism and Dada, he cannot claim it to be either. The disturbing subject matter coupled with the artist’s casual explanations and adamant stance that he will not be called upon to defend his work leave me feeling a bit frightened. It’s the same morbid fascination that I have with the character, Dexter, a forensics analyst who just happens to also be a serial killer--a nice enough guy, so long as you don’t really know him.
I value artists who push the cultural envelope, so I don’t want to dismiss Serrano’s contributions. My understanding of poo is more in the context of baby diapers, science, and medicine. I’m just not sophisticated enough to appreciate it as art. I see this display as something done for shock-value under the name of art.
It leaves me wretching in the lurch.
The video above is a walk though of the exhibition. My advice is that you view it on an empty stomach.
Serrano claims his underlying intent is always to create beauty in his work. While he may be practicing his craft in the shadow of Surrealism and Dada, he cannot claim it to be either. The disturbing subject matter coupled with the artist’s casual explanations and adamant stance that he will not be called upon to defend his work leave me feeling a bit frightened. It’s the same morbid fascination that I have with the character, Dexter, a forensics analyst who just happens to also be a serial killer--a nice enough guy, so long as you don’t really know him.
I value artists who push the cultural envelope, so I don’t want to dismiss Serrano’s contributions. My understanding of poo is more in the context of baby diapers, science, and medicine. I’m just not sophisticated enough to appreciate it as art. I see this display as something done for shock-value under the name of art.
It leaves me wretching in the lurch.
The video above is a walk though of the exhibition. My advice is that you view it on an empty stomach.
Trend Themes
1. Shocking Artistic Display - The exhibit highlights the potential of using unconventional and disturbing material to create art that shocks and provokes.
2. Controversial Art - The artwork sparks discussions and debates around the definition and boundaries of art and its role in society.
3. Boundary-pushing Art - The display demonstrates the potential of art to challenge societal norms and expand artistic expression.
Industry Implications
1. Art - This exhibit has potential applications in the art industry to challenge artistic norms and push boundaries in order to appeal to a wider audience.
2. Museums and Galleries - Museums and galleries can use the exhibit to demonstrate creativity, innovation and expand their boundaries to meet the expectations of their visitors.
3. Marketing and Advertising - Companies can use the exhibit to inspire pushing boundaries and taking risks on campaigns and advertisements to attract attention to their brands.
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