Supreme has announced plans for a collaboration with New York photographer Andres Serrano, whose work is known for its focus on Christian iconography. Never one to shy from controversy, Serrano, who was raised as a Catholic, doesn’t celebrate religious symbols as much as he challenges how we worship them.
One of his most famous works, “Immersion (Piss Christ),” was a 1987 photograph of a plastic crucifix submerged in a tank of the artist’s urine. It sounds fairly harmless, but the reaction to the image at the time included denouncement from U.S. Senators Al D’Amato and Jesse Helms, vandalizing of prints by pro-Christian protesters, loss of grant money and death threats.
Supreme offerings incorporate graphics inspired by “Immersion (Piss Christ),” “Madonna & Child II,” and “Blood and Semen II.” The collection consists of hoodies, sweatpants and t-shirts.
Offerings also include Vans Sk8-Hi, Chukka and Old Skool shoes featuring “Blood and Semen II.”
In many ways, Serrano is a model choice as a collaborator. He’s from New York, an artist, and has no problem breaking with convention. Still, not everyone will find these offerings appealing, and while the “Piss Christ” image in 2017 no longer carries the same weight of controversy, the “Blood and Semen” graphics may be too gross for some.
The clothing and shoes will be part of Supreme’s week four launch, dropping in Los Angeles, New York, London on September 21, 2017 and in Japan on September 23rd.
