“Working with materials sometimes means working with the very essence of what a material has to offer. … The work defines the material and the material defines the work. … My work process has always been about this paradigmatic bind between the materiality and the concept in a work of art.” says Vik Muniz.
The complex relationship between three-dimensional objects and a two-dimensional image is the result of a fascinating work process, which begins with fragile constructions of unexpected, ephemeral materials—dust, sugar, chocolate, wire, garbage—recreating conceptually loaded images culled from various sources, ranging from the history of art to science. Muniz records the new images with his camera, producing lasting hybrid imagery in which the material is often antithetical to the image rendered. This brings to mind Giuseppe Arcimboldo’s portraits, composed entirely of objects, such as fruit, vegetables, flowers and animals. Muniz, who describes himself as a “low-tech illusionist,” explains in his exhibition catalogue The Imaginary Museum (Collection Lambert in Avignon, 2011).
Muniz lives and works in New York and Rio de Janeiro.
EXHIBITION
Vik Muniz
March 28 – August 2, 2014
Tel Aviv Museum
27 Shaul Hamelech Blvd
61332012 Tel Aviv
