Background - Vik
Muniz was born into a working-class family in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 1961. Through
a series of unfortunate events, he was able to make his way to New York City.
He has lived and worked since the late 1980s. He started working as a sculptor,
but now focuses on the photographic representations of his works. He is most well-known
for his works created with multiple objects or materials like chocolate and
sugar.
Conceptual framework
–Muniz is known for his recreations of famous artworks with materials other
than paint. Sometimes these works make connections that draw attention to
certain social issues in specific locations. He utilizes specific materials
that are related to the issue to create almost photorealistic representations
of the individuals involved in the issue.
Boundaries – Muniz
is limited by the by his own decisions in the art making process. He is the one
who selects the social issue and location to focus on. He is also the one to
choose what material to work with.
Key Works –
“Marat/Sebastiao–Pictures of Garbage”
–
Photograph; originally made with garbage, 2008
“The Gypsy Magna–Pictures of Garbage”
– Photograph;
originally made with garbage, 2008
“Double Mona Lisa, After Warhol”
– Photograph; originally
peanutbutter and jelly, 1999
Artmaking Practices
– Muniz draws his subject matter from famous artworks and personal experiences.
He explores the way different mediums and materials have an impact on the way a
work or topic is viewed. His technical strategies include the use of a single
material or a single type of material. These materials are selected in a way to
get the appropriate message to his viewers. Sometimes, he also utilizes the
recreation of famous artworks to make people look harder at the final product. Finally,
by photographing his creation instead of displaying the original materials
forces viewers to really focus on what they are looking at instead of just
glancing.
