Artist Defends Controversial Photo in Fredericton Gallery

The artist behind a controversial photo says critics miss the point of his work.
Andres Serrano's 'Piss Christ' shows a crucifix in urine. It's part of a series called Incarnate.
Serrano says, 'If it upsets you, it should. Christ's death was upsetting. He died for our sins.'
Serrano calls his work 'sacred art.' He's a Christian and sees it as a Christian piece.
The artwork has been divisive for decades.
In 1997, a Catholic Archbishop tried to stop its display. US groups have also condemned it.
In 2011, protesters broke the glass. The broken glass is now part of the display.
The artwork will be at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery until November 29.
The gallery's director says it's the first time the piece has been shown in Atlantic Canada.
It's been 30 years since the work was last shown in a Canadian public institution.
The gallery wants to focus on religious and ecclesiastical art.
The director is proud to have the exhibit despite its controversy.
Seeing art is a personal experience. Artists want to inspire reactions.
The decision to show the artwork has met with criticism.
An MP says the artwork is 'beneath our museum's tradition.'
He doesn't agree with censorship but doesn't think the artwork is right.
The MP thinks the gallery is trying to be relevant with a bad exhibit.
A bishop says the Church doesn't want to censor art but wants deeper conversations about faith.
Many Christians see the piece as contempt towards Jesus Christ.
The bishop thinks the artwork's effect on believers matters, not just offense.
A professor thinks the piece still has relevance after decades.
She sees the artwork as related to the lack of humanity in society.
The artwork had a connection to the AIDS epidemic when it was made.
The professor thinks art always updates with the viewer.
She calls the piece 'beautiful' and says it 'glows' in person.
Serrano says there's no message in his piece, and that's the message.
He thinks artists work in mysterious ways and may not know why they create.
Serrano believes his piece has reignited a conversation about Christianity and art.
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