SHIT-TASTIC!


For those out of the artsy loop, Andres Serrano etched a name for himself back in 1989 with Piss Christ, a photo of nothing (but evoked strangely everything) more than a plastic crucifix lodged in Serrano's own piss.

This classy work caused quite the stir amongst conservative, religious types (shocking!), but also raised the kind of esoteric questions that pop up every 30 seconds or so in the art world: where do we draw the line between "the interests of artists in freedom of expression" and "the hurt such works may cause to a section of the community on the other."

Well, not to be written off as a one piss pony, Andre Serrano unveiled his latest shit show. Literally. A collection of 8 by 6 feet framed photos of shit at the Yvon Lambert Gallery in Chelsea.

While the photos themselves are pretty ridiculous (Horse Shit, Holy Shit, Rabbit Shit, you get the idea), the genius in this show's opening night was in it's audience.

The swarms of skinny-jeaned Queens and sack-dressed, messy haired ladies who declared it all, "Brilliant!" while glaring more at each other than analyzing the work.

Almost like a scene out of an art world Zoolander—just cut and paste Will Ferrell's Maguto for Serrano, replace the Derelict campaign for Shit—and you got yourself a whole new parody.

But, you know, maybe it was something in the wine. Because after two glasses the Seas Candy-esque display and the varying shades of brown began to look more compelling.

"Did you see that piece of corn lodged in Holy Shit? Check that out!" or "What about the leaves in Bull Shit? Isn't that something!"

Alcohol: the cause and solution to all life's problems.