René Serrano Rodriguez Blog

" Self- Portrait at the Academy of Fine Arts"  # SP2026199801 Mixed media  W39 X H58 X Z27 Cm (W15 X H23 X Z11 In)  2026 While images of the self date to antiquity, the self-portrait emerged as a distinct and enduring genre in the mid-15th century. This period, fueled by the Renaissance ideals of individual identity and artistic mastery, saw creators like Albrecht Dürer systematically depicting themselves not merely as craftsmen, but as subjects of depth and introspection. From then on, the self-portrait became a vital medium for artistic exploration. It is a practice where the artist is both observer and observed, a complex dialogue conducted through brushstrokes, light, and composition. Masters across eras have turned the gaze inward: Rembrandt traced his own aging and soul across dozens of canvases; Frida Kahlo wove personal pain and cultural identity into iconic imagery; Vincent van Gogh used his own visage to master color and convey profound emotion. In the modern er...

The Endless River Project is a series of four large-scale paintings that explore the current environmental condition of Lake Pátzcuaro , which has been severely affected by recurring droughts in recent years. The project was supported by a grant from my country’s Ministry of Culture, through the Established Artists Program in Michoacán—an important validation of my artistic practice. The project was originally titled Antes de que nos olviden (“Before We Are Forgotten”), but I later chose a title that felt more universal and more deeply connected to the symbolism of the Day of the Dead . The final title of the project is The Endless River Project . The series is inspired by the flora of Lake Pátzcuaro—also known as Uranden—the setting of Michoacán’s traditional Night of the Dead celebrations. This ritual has fascinated me since childhood. Its significance in my personal life is such that my wife and I were married on November 2, crossing the lake by boat that night in the midst of a ...