Photographic Research Inquiry Essay

#3 Andres Serrano, Piss Christ

The photo I have chosen the third photo Andres Serrano’s Piss Christ mainly because the imagery of Christianity. Thought the image is overexposed in the subject or object, we know, as the viewer, that it is a crucifixion is Jesus Christ. Christianity is an international religion that has made participations on in many conversions, and deaths around the world throughout its history. With that in mind I believe that it why he has overexposed Christ and why he titled this photo Piss Christ. I also think that the yellow color of the light source is the main reason for the title of this photo. Conceptually I feel a sense of rejection of this religion because of the exaggerated exposure of Christ around and empty dark space. However, the yellow light source is overpowering the dark space, which blurs the crucifixion into a yellow shape. The blur on the crucified Christ could be a sign of disbelief or hostility to the religion. To that idea, modern Christians tend to be oblivious to their past and do not acknowledge the bad deeds the do. How do they get away with it? Simple. “It was God’s will.” Christianity brought racism in Americas using cast systems, slavery, segregation, and the slaughter of many indigenous people. For us to feel safe in “one nation under God” does not make me feel safe or proud of a land that’s been soiled by this religion who refuses to acknowledge its own mistakes. This connection I make is what I assume is the concept he is telling us as the viewer and the connection I made with this photo of the Piss Christ.