Based on Andres Serrano’s “Piss Christ” Can Art Ever Push Social Boundaries Too Far?
Iskra Angelova Assignment #3 Dr. Ferrante
Writing 140 10/26/2012
Based on Andres Serrano’s “Piss Christ” can art ever push social boundaries too far?
“Anyone who blasphemes the name of the Lord is to be put to death.
The entire assembly must stone them. Whether foreigner or native-born, when they blasphemes the Name they are to be put to death.”
(Holy Bible. Leviticus 24:16)
Religion as believe and institution emerged centuries ago and it is a significant segment influencing our lives. Spiritual faith has impact in many institutions and fields, like politics and the art world. The Lord’s Supper has been and still is an inspiration to many artists. There are evidences in the history of the greatest art in the world: Michelangelo’s “The Creation of Adam”; “Last Supper” by Leonardo Da Vinci and many others. The representation of religious icons has been of significant importance of artists’ genius. Art is a powerful machine which is able to shape our belief system and change lives. It has the power to teleport us to completely new environments where everyone could interpreted in their own personal perspective. The tremendous influence of art in people lives has a bouquet of lovely feelings replacing people reality with some paradise to the moment when believes fall apart. Centuries artists were focusing their talent into representation of religious people, as religion used to have a huge influence in people every day routines. Throughout the years there was a shift in the representation of religious figures. In the past they were idealized, but today there is controversy surrounding spiritual representations. The new way of picturing holy icons has become a number one topic for critics. Religious art can be highly controversial and insulting, and some ask if art is a powerful weapon that can push social boundaries too far. But where exactly does art cross the line between being
Writing 140 10/26/2012
Based on Andres Serrano’s “Piss Christ” can art ever push social boundaries too far?
“Anyone who blasphemes the name of the Lord is to be put to death.
The entire assembly must stone them. Whether foreigner or native-born, when they blasphemes the Name they are to be put to death.”
(Holy Bible. Leviticus 24:16)
Religion as believe and institution emerged centuries ago and it is a significant segment influencing our lives. Spiritual faith has impact in many institutions and fields, like politics and the art world. The Lord’s Supper has been and still is an inspiration to many artists. There are evidences in the history of the greatest art in the world: Michelangelo’s “The Creation of Adam”; “Last Supper” by Leonardo Da Vinci and many others. The representation of religious icons has been of significant importance of artists’ genius. Art is a powerful machine which is able to shape our belief system and change lives. It has the power to teleport us to completely new environments where everyone could interpreted in their own personal perspective. The tremendous influence of art in people lives has a bouquet of lovely feelings replacing people reality with some paradise to the moment when believes fall apart. Centuries artists were focusing their talent into representation of religious people, as religion used to have a huge influence in people every day routines. Throughout the years there was a shift in the representation of religious figures. In the past they were idealized, but today there is controversy surrounding spiritual representations. The new way of picturing holy icons has become a number one topic for critics. Religious art can be highly controversial and insulting, and some ask if art is a powerful weapon that can push social boundaries too far. But where exactly does art cross the line between being
Cited: 1. Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Leviticus 24:16 2. Serrano, Andres :Works 1 983-1993. Philadelphia: Insti- 1994 tute of Contempora Art, Universityo f Pennsylvania 3. Massara, Kathleen. Piss Christ: Andres Serrano’s Iconic Work on View at Edward Tyler Nahem Gallery. The Huffington Post.