Controversial New York photographer Andres Serrano has submitted a provocative proposal for the American Pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale, seeking to create a monument dedicated to Donald Trump. The artist, known for his scandal-generating work, openly expresses his admiration for the U.S. President and wants to honor "the most powerful man in the world" with an installation at one of the art world's most prestigious venues.
Serrano has formally applied to curate the American Pavilion in the Giardini, the historic gardens that house the national pavilions at the Venice Biennale. His proposal centers around creating what he describes as an altar-like tribute to Trump, a concept designed to generate significant attention and debate within the international art community.
The photographer's motivation appears to be multifaceted, combining genuine fascination with Trump alongside strategic calculation. Industry observers note that Serrano's proposal is clearly intended to provoke strong reactions, a trademark approach that has defined much of his career as what many consider a "scandal photographer." His controversial methodology has consistently generated headlines and sparked intense public discourse.
The timing of Serrano's proposal coincides with heightened political tensions and could represent a calculated move to secure one of the most coveted curatorial positions in contemporary art. The Venice Biennale's American Pavilion historically serves as a major platform for American artists to present work to global audiences, making competition for the role particularly fierce.
Whether Serrano's provocative strategy will succeed remains to be seen, but art world experts suggest that his calculated approach to controversy could indeed prove effective in securing the prestigious appointment for the 2026 exhibition.
