Fotografiska Tallinn brings "Infamous", an exhibition by the controversial artist Andres Serrano. "Infamous" highlights the racist history of the United States of America. The idea for the exhibition grew out of an earlier show by the artist, portraying Donald Trump. Looking for paraphernalia relating to Trump, Serrano discovered that 19th-century items that normalise blackface culture, which dehumanises and ridicules black people are still circulating on eBay. The artist began purchasing and photographing these objects to confront the dark history of his country and remind us of the various forms that racism continues to take to this day.
‍

Andres Serrano is known for his often-vulgar colour photographs exploring a variety of social issues and taboos, including racism, religious persecution, torture and death. Because of this, the artist has been at the centre of discussions regarding censorship and the public funding of controversial art. Even if we would like to believe that past events no longer concern us, history proves us wrong. We do not need to look any further than the fashion world and the recent products released by Prada and Gucci to see that these issues still persist. The exhibition is concluded by a portrait of Jeffrey Epstein, one of the most infamous figures of the 21st century. Maarja Loorents: “Andres Serrano is not afraid to address problematic histories and he sees this exhibition as an excavation into the infamous past of society. It is worth stressing that this past is still with us today, and we are very much influenced by long-forgotten events. Furthermore – we are encumbered by stereotyping views. I hope that this exhibition shakes us all, making everyone more accepting and open," added Loorents. Andres Serrano (b. 1950) is a provocative American artist. One of his more famous works is "Piss Christ", a photograph of a crucifix submerged in the artist's urine. "Blood and Semen III" and "Piss and Blood" have adorned Metallica's album covers. Recently, Serrano made his film debut with "Insurrection", first screened on 6 January 2022, exactly a year after the Capitol Hill riots in Washington. The film includes both historic material as well as clips from social media taken during the riots. "I don't want to brag, but I think that this is one of the more violent and controversial films ever made," claims Serrano.

‍

‍