Internationally awarded in the European Parliament
Contemporary Photography Collection
PHOTOGRAPHY_EXHIBITION
ANDRES SERRANO
DES AMÉRICAINS II (2002.2004)
Works from the novobanco Photography Collection
patent in the Novobanco Photography Collection space
Renowned American artist Andres Serrano was born in New York in 1950, having started his artistic career in the 1980s. Combining elements of classical and pop cultures, his occasionally controversial works offer a reflection on the contemporary individual and the contradictions of American society.
In the series presented here, part of our Photography Collection, the artist reflects on developments in American society following the events of September 11th, 2001. Through his work, the artist questions the belief in the ‘American Dream,’ an idea of freedom and equality underpinned by equal opportunities for all, regardless of social class. Allowing citizens to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative in a society without obstacles.
In this series, made in the tradition of studio photography, Andres Serrano presents powerful and sumptuously lit portraits of a broad spectrum of Americans. Serrano dubbed his unique vision of America ‘My America’, a melting pot that includes the anonymous and the famous, the rich and the poor. Depicting everyone, from firefighters and nurses to B.B. King, he leads us to understand that America is all these things.
The superb quality of Serrano’s saturated prints challenges established notions of beauty and social taboos.
Serrano has received several grants and prizes from Organizations.
Curatorship: Alexandra Conde
Espaço novobanco
Pç. Marquês de Pombal 3A, 1250-161 Lisboa
Horário | 9h às 17h
The Photography Collection won the international award at the "Corporate Art Awards - Mecenati of the XXI Century" on 28 November 2018 at the European Parliament in Brussels. The distinction "For the Outstanding Photography Collection of 21st century living artists" aims to promote collaboration between the world of business and art and is an important recognition of the unique example of cultural patronage, which has created one of the most important corporate collections of contemporary art from the world made up of living artists from the 21st century.
The novobanco Photography Collection was initiated in 2004 with the acquisition of a lightbox by Jeff Wall a self-portrait by Cindy Sherman, a view of Shanghai by Thomas Struth and an image of a bookcase by Candida Höfer. From here, the Collection expanded quickly, and today, it's one of the most relevant contemporary corporate art collections in Europe. These four works considered as a reference framework for the collection of photo-based artworks from living artists of the 21st century, it now contains over 1,000 works from 300 artists of various generation and 38 nationalities.
All the works included in the Collection are based on photographic records in this broadest expression, ranging from Wolfgang Tilmans installation, photo-sculptures by Christian Boltansky or drawings and paintings employing photography by artists such as John Baldessari.
Given the diversity of works by artists from all over the world, the Contemporary Photography Collection from novobanco provides a panoramic view of the best-of-the-best in contemporary art after 2000, with the mission- to question existing realities and to foster an understanding of different cultures- is still very much alive, with works illustrating the corporate landmarks of the past and present, presenting a summarized view of the most significant characteristics of artistic practice in recent decades.
The Collection, considered one of the most important of its kind, became publicly accessible being one of the contemporary art sponsorship program most relevant at national level, which is part of novobanco responsible citizenship initiatives and sustainability policies.
Founding member of IACCCA- International Association of Corporate Collections of Contemporary Art and member of ICOM- International Council of Museums the Collection have a distinguish curriculum and is one of the top corporate collections in the world.
Recognition and Curriculum
- 2018. Awarded with the "For the Outstanding Photography Collection of 21st century living artists" international award by "Corporate Art Awards - Art Patrons of the XXI Century", announced at the European Parliament, within the celebrations of the European Year of the Cultural Heritage;
- 2018. Selected for the official program of the third edition of the International Fair ARCOLisboa;
- 2017. Selected for the official program of the second edition of the International Fair ARCOLisboa;
- 2016. Selected to participate in the international "Corporate Art Awards 2016", which aims to identify, recognize and promote excellence and best practices in collaboration between the corporate world and international art through Corporate Collections;
- 2016. Selected for the ARCOLisboa first edition official program. The only collection outside the institutional museum's circuit to be included in this program;
- 2015. Considered one of the 80 best corporate collections in the world by Global Corporate Collection publication;
- 2014. Was honored with the integration in the 100 Best Corporate Collections in the World, being the only Portuguese collection represented;
- 2012. Invited to exhibit at the ARCOMadrid;
- 2011. Awarded with the 15th “A” Corporate Collection Award 2011 by ARCOMadrid.
Are only available in the site search the works listed in the catalog "The Present: An Infinite Dimension" of the first public exhibition of the Collection at the Coleção Berardo Museum in 2008.
