Look around you. There is a world of things which are regarded as insignificant. What about dust? did you ever consider that dust could have another meaning? could rubbish be something more than simply rubbish? What the Brazilian artist vik muniz sees when he looks at these everyday things is the possibility of creating new ways of representing and interpreting the world.
In his work, non-traditional art materials, such as chocolate sauce, peanut butter, caviar and diamonds, are used to recreate iconographic images of photography and painting. The results are surprising, appearing both strange and familiar. various levels of comprehension are
at play in his work. at first glance, we see a photograph. Then, beyond the photograph, we perceive a complete philosophical and sensory proposition behind each image, full of double meanings.
vik muniz (born in 1961 in sao Paulo, currently based in new York) is, like his artworks, many things in one. His numerous roles include that of painter, sculptor, designer, photographer, writer, creator, illusionist and critic.
containing more than 120 works, from the beginning of his career at the end of the 1980s, to the current day, vIK is the most comprehensive exhibition ever dedicated to this artist. after being shown in the united states, canada, mexico and Brazil, the exhibition opens in Lisbon at a time in which vik muniz has reached his greatest level of recognition, having become one of the most internationally renowned Brazilian artists.
according to vik muniz, the artist only completes half the work. The rest is done by the viewer, who plays an active role. now it’s your turn. Join the adventure – take a leap and find a new way of looking.
Till 31 december 2011
FUNDAÇÃO DE ARTE MODERNA
E CONTEMPORÂNEA - COLECÇÃO BERARDO
Praça do Império
1449-003 Lisboa
Portugal
museuberardo.pt/
Vik Muniz biography and resources
