In his Handmade series, Vik Muniz explores the increasingly blurred line between artwork and image, a phenomenon driven by the ubiquity of reproducible images which erode the distinction between the...
In his Handmade series, Vik Muniz explores the increasingly blurred line between artwork and image, a phenomenon driven by the ubiquity of reproducible images which erode the distinction between the original object and its replica. The series' title reflects the meticulous process Muniz undertakes to create each piece, painting and cutting materials such as paper and cardboard, which are then layered and photographed. The initial photograph becomes a base for further modifications, reconfigurations, and re-photographing, culminating in a rich, multi-layered visual experience. The artist’s touch and gesture subtly suggest the creation process without fully revealing it, and the result is a collection of unique compositions where objects and their images are intricately intertwined. Unlike his earlier series, which often reinterpret iconic images from art history or popular culture using unconventional materials, works in the Handmade series employ traditional artistic media such as paper, cardboard, and metal. This shift highlights a deeper engagement with the core principles of abstract art, emphasising colour, form, and rhythm as primary compositional elements.