Andres Serrano (1950) - The Morgue - 1993

Andres Serrano (born August 15, 1950) is an American photographer and artist. His work, often considered transgressive art, includes photographs of corpses and uses feces and bodily fluids. His Piss Christ (1987) is an amber-tinged photograph of a crucifix submerged in a glass container of what was purported to be the artist's own urine. He also created the artwork for Metallica's Load and Reload albums.

Collected by a major museum
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Whitney Museum of American Art
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA)
Reina Sofia Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
MCA ChicagoICA Miami

Exploring The Morgue Series by Andres Serrano

It is the world of modern art that few names stir as much anger and interest as Andres Serrano does. Esteemed for his daring to explore forbidden topics, Serrano’s artworks challenge the status quo and transcend the boundaries of artistic creativity. One of his most remarkable projects is 'The Morgue Series,' a collection of images that confront viewers with the stark reality of death. In this article, we will discuss the life and career of Andres Serrano; the ideas and implications of the Morgue Series; and reveal the fascinating stories behind the images that send shivers down our spines.

Andres Serrano, the renowned American artist known for his impactful and provocative photography, was born on August 15, 1950, in New York City. Serrano was born into a devoutly Catholic family, and his upbringing significantly influenced his artistic expression, with his art often exploring religious, sexual, and self-identity themes. He gained a broad audience and frequently faced criticism for his unconventional materials and subjects that challenged social taboos, and it was his willingness to push the boundaries of art that made him famous.

His career
Serrano's career began to flourish in the 1980s when he started exhibiting his photographs in galleries and museums. It all began with his rebellious piece titled 'Immersion (Piss Christ),' which depicted a crucifix submerged in urine. This artwork sparked significant controversy concerning freedom of expression, religious sentiments, and the role of government funding in art.

During his lifetime, Serrano expanded his topics by addressing controversial issues such as violence, death, and social inequality. Emotional responses are often the result of his art, prompting viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and reevaluate their worldviews.


In the 'Morgue Series,' which Serrano produced in 1992, he explores the dark territory of death and mortality, presenting raw and real pictures of bodies found in a morgue. Serrano’s photographs force viewers to recognize the unavoidable nature of death and confront the entire community’s paradigms about mortality and the human body.

Controversial reception: Much like Serrano’s other works, The Morgue Series sparked intense debate and controversy upon its release. Critics and viewers alike grappled with the confronting nature of the images, questioning the ethics of capturing and displaying photographs of deceased individuals.

Technical mastery: Despite the unsettling subject matter, The Morgue Series showcases Serrano’s technical prowess as a photographer. Each image is carefully composed and lit, highlighting the delicate balance between aesthetics and morbid reality.

Exploring taboos: Serrano’s exploration of death and mortality challenges societal taboos surrounding the human body and the concept of mortality. By confronting viewers with images of death in a raw and unfiltered manner, Serrano encourages contemplation on the fragility and transience of life.

Legacy and influence: Despite the controversy surrounding his work, Serrano’s contributions to the art world are undeniable. The Morgue Series continues to captivate audiences and provoke critical discourse on the intersection of art, mortality, and ethics.

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