Born into an underprivileged family in Brazil, Vik Muniz developed an interest for art not by going to museums but influenced by libraries and his school environment.
Now living in New York, Muniz began his career as a sculptor in the 1980s, before turning to photography. He made a name for himself worldwide in the mid-1990s with his photographic works incorporating quotidian objects such as earth, ketchup, coins and wire, among other things.
He draws his inspiration from current events and art history as well as famous works and people of note. The self-described “low-tech illusionist” likes to create pieces that provoke the viewer into questioning the manner in which visual information is constructed. Many of his works are exhibited in museums throughout the world.
Follow Vik Muniz on