AS

Andres Serrano: A Master of Provocation and Subversion


Full Name and Common Aliases


Andres Serrano is an American artist known professionally by his given name.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on August 16, 1950, in New York City, USA. Still active in the art world today.

Nationality and Profession(s)


American. Artist, Photographer, Painter.

Early Life and Background


Andres Serrano was born to Cuban immigrant parents in a working-class neighborhood in Manhattan's Lower East Side. His early life was marked by poverty and instability, but it also instilled in him a strong sense of identity and social consciousness. Growing up, Serrano was fascinated by the world around him, often collecting discarded objects and exploring abandoned buildings.

Serrano's interest in art began at an early age, encouraged by his mother who bought him art supplies and taught him basic techniques. However, it wasn't until he stumbled upon a photography class at the High School of Music & Art (now Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School) that he found his true calling.

Major Accomplishments


Andres Serrano's career spans over four decades, during which he has achieved numerous accolades and recognition for his provocative and subversive works. Some of his most notable accomplishments include:

His iconic series "Blood" (1981), a collection of photographs depicting human blood as a viscous liquid, challenging traditional notions of the body and its fluids.
"Immersion Flesh" (2006-2010), an ongoing series exploring themes of identity, power dynamics, and the relationship between flesh and water.
Serrano's work has been exhibited in numerous museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, the Tate Modern in London, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.

Notable Works or Actions


Some notable works by Andres Serrano include:

"Blood" (1981): A series of photographs depicting human blood as a viscous liquid, challenging traditional notions of the body and its fluids.
"Immersion Flesh" (2006-2010): An ongoing series exploring themes of identity, power dynamics, and the relationship between flesh and water.
"Andres Serrano: Certain Civilizations" (1993): A photographic essay documenting the lives of marginalized communities in the United States.

Impact and Legacy


Andres Serrano's impact on contemporary art is undeniable. His provocative works have pushed boundaries, challenged societal norms, and sparked important conversations about identity, power dynamics, and the human condition. His influence can be seen in the work of many subsequent artists, who continue to explore themes of identity, politics, and social justice.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Andres Serrano is widely quoted and remembered for his thought-provoking works, which have captured the imagination of art lovers around the world. His commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms has made him a true pioneer in contemporary art.

Quotes by Andres Serrano

Whenever possible, I operate outside the system.
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Whenever possible, I operate outside the system.
I usually refer to myself as Hispanic.
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I usually refer to myself as Hispanic.
I am just an artist.
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I am just an artist.
I like Church furniture.
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I like Church furniture.
I don’t think that because I am Hispanic I should therefore do Hispanic work.
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I don’t think that because I am Hispanic I should therefore do Hispanic work.
Artists are a free society’s greatest advocates and its best bulwarks. Their triumphs are civilization’s triumphs.
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Artists are a free society’s greatest advocates and its best bulwarks. Their triumphs are civilization’s triumphs.
My use of the medium – photography – is in some ways traditional.
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My use of the medium – photography – is in some ways traditional.
I think if the Vatican is smart, someday they’ll collect my work.
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I think if the Vatican is smart, someday they’ll collect my work.
There’s nothing wrong with provocative art work: I even look forward to the day when I can take pictures which will disturb even me.
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There’s nothing wrong with provocative art work: I even look forward to the day when I can take pictures which will disturb even me.
I say things, but I say them indirectly. At the same time, I try to make my images as direct as possible.
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I say things, but I say them indirectly. At the same time, I try to make my images as direct as possible.
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