Artcore

September 1997

Cleveland Indians Shirley Tsosie, Tuscarora Cherokee

American Indians Lyndell Yazzie, Navajo

Cleveland Indians Dana Brings Them, Lakota, Sioux

Natives Serrano's photographs of American Indians depict their subjects in the most honest and direct manner possible. Without casting judgement or manufacturing ethnicity or authenticity, his images capture the dignity, repose and self-assuredness of a people whose culture has been largely subjugated by the forces of consumerism. In asserting their beauty and power as a people, their ethnicity is not exaggerated or dramatized for greater effect. Rather, Serrano allows the character of the sitter to come through to the viewer, and to continue to communicate with them, creating a sense of intimacy between the subject and the spectator - bringing them eye to eye.

Antonio and Ulrike

The Kiss

Eline

The History of Sex In his controversial images from the "History of Sex" series, Serrano neither glamorizes nor degrades the habits, fetishes or desires of the people he portrays. Shown as they are, candidly addressing the camera and the artist, Serrano strips them of stigma, leaving us only to wonder at their beauty and candour. Gallery hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 - 5:00 For information, telephone (416) 920 3820

Artcore