Cultural perspectives affect the viewing of this photograph as many would view its meaning without discovering the intent and purpose of its creation. These individuals may be religious
and see it as a sign of hatred and opposition to Jesus Christ- which is best demonstrated by vandalism and violence the image received at exhibitions. They viewed it as insulting and disrespectful due to the fact that Jesus was inserted into a tank of urine. Others who do not practice religion regularly, are agnostic in belief, or do not support religion may be intrigued by the photograph and view the image for it is: artwork. Or perhaps those individuals may see it as crude for a
crucifix to be drowning in urine. However, it is those who understand the photo and the artist’s true intention and message that he desires to send to the audience. It is then, that one can comprehend this piece as thought-provoking, original artwork.
No matter how Serrano's work was received, he achieved a prominent goal as a creator, his work provoked emotions and thoughts from individuals- it was not overlooked or indifferent to most, the piece created conversation for almost four decades. In 2022,
Piss Christ
was auctioned and sold at Sotheby’s for $145,162 (Sotheby, 2023). Also, in 2023, the photographer, Andre Serrano, was invited to the Vatican to a ceremony celebrating the Vatican’s Contemporary Art Collection where he met Pope Francis (Boucher, 2023).
