Vik Muniz
Reflex : A Vik Muniz Primer
HC, 26 x 22 cm., 204 pp.
Aperture 2005
Edited by Lesley A. Martin
An American artist of Brazilian origin, Vik Muniz has come to stand out as one of the most articulate and innovative artists of his generation, equally at home working with images of chocolate sauce, spaghetti marinara, or the detritus of hole punchers. In doing so, he has carved out a unique niche within contemporary photography: one of trickster and philosopher as well as the creator of compelling, delightful images.
Reflex: A Vik Muniz Primer is a privileged, guided tour of the contents of Muniz's pyrotechnic imagination, walking us through each of his major series. From "Equivalents", his fluffy, sculpted cotton "clouds", to his latest color work, "Magazines", Muniz accompanies each series with in-depth writing that tickles our minds with amusing anecdotes detailing his inspiration for each; fascinates by revealing his methodology and working process; and enlightens by unveiling the thinking and historical influences behind each image.
"Art objects are inanimate sad bits of matter hanging in the dark when no one is looking. The artist only does half of the work; the viewer has to come up with the rest, and it is by empowering the viewer that the miracle of art gains its force." Vik Muniz -