Andres Serrano is an American photographer and artist best known for his controversial works that explore the boundaries between art and religion. Born in 1950 in New York City, Serrano was raised in a strict Catholic household and attended parochial schools. He studied at the Brooklyn Museum Art School and the School of Visual Arts, where he earned a BFA in 1975.
Serrano's work often focuses on themes of religion, death, and sexuality. His most famous work is "Piss Christ," a 1987 photograph of a crucifix submerged in a glass of his own urine. The piece sparked outrage from religious groups and politicians alike, but it also gained international attention for its provocative nature.
In addition to his photography, Serrano has also created installations, sculptures, videos, and mixed media works. His work has been exhibited around the world at galleries such as the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City and the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. He has also been featured in numerous publications including Time Magazine, The New Yorker, and The New York Times.
Serrano's work continues to challenge viewers to confront their own beliefs about art and religion while exploring issues of race, gender identity, classism, and more. He has received numerous awards throughout his career including the International Center of Photography Infinity Award for Art (1996) and the Hasselblad Foundation International Award (2006).