Vik Muniz

Courtesy of the artist

Throughout his career, Brazilian photographer Vik Muniz has explored the mechanics of perception and illusion through unexpected recreations of canonical art historical and pop culture imagery. His signature process – using a range of materials including chocolate syrup, cotton balls, wire, dirt, toys and diamonds to create large-scale renderings that are discarded after being photographed – alludes to the constructed nature of memory and perception. Selva a partir de Johann Moritz Rugendas (Jungle, after J.M. Rugendas), from his most recent series Dinheiro Vivo, is based on a collage Muniz made using Reais, the Brazilian paper currency, that were shredded by the Brazilian Mint because of imperfections.  

The Consignor is donating 100% of the hammer price from the sale of this and other designated artworks, to be sold during Sotheby’s Contemporary Discoveries online sale held from September 23 – October 3, 2022, to Instituto Terra, a not-for-profit Brazilian organization devoted to conservation and reforestation. In addition, in relation to these designated artworks, Sotheby’s will donate 100% of its Overhead Premium to Instituto Terra and its Buyers Premium, after deducting expenses. No portion of the purchase price is tax-deductible. For more information about Instituto Terra, visit www.institutoterra.org.