Andres Serrano

Dawson Sztukowski

Writing 1150

Photographer: Andres Serrano

In a glance, a photograph of Andres Serrano’s seems simple. It’s meaning obvious and unquestionable. However the composition combined with the perceived intentions of the piece raise many curiosities indeed. The photograph of “Piss Christ” depicts a warm picture of a simple crucifix. It’s red aura surrounded by a yellow fluid. In the name we come to the attention that the artist has suspended the crucifix in his own urine and taken a picture of it. In “Heaven and hell” we see a woman on the left and a Cardinal on the right. The woman is naked, hanging by the wrists, head to the sky, and dripping with blood. The cardinal is wearing a smirk with his gaze to the ground, looking away from the woman. With the name “Heaven and Hell” our understanding associates Heaven to one side and Hell to the other. It raises great theological discussion With the Name being read from left to right. “Milk and Blood” Also shows a sort of diptych, the panel on the left is just a white canvas while the one on the right is red. The name and picture also being read from left to right and with no underlying question as to which is the “milk” side and which is the “blood.” These pictures are controversial and offensive to many Christians. Serrano’s pictures posses a blatantly honest quality that intertwine, grotesque theme’ and a beautiful composition giving them a very unique feeling to the audience.