Muniz, Vik | Oedipus and Sphinx, after Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres (Pictures of Junk), 2006 — available on Composition Gallery

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Chromogenic print

Oedipus and Sphinx, after Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres (Pictures of Junk) by Vik Muniz, created in 2006, is a large chromogenic print that reinterprets Ingres' classical painting using unconventional materials. Muniz is known for his innovative approach to art, creating detailed compositions from non-traditional mediums like junk and discarded objects. In this piece, Muniz meticulously arranges a variety of scrap materials—such as tires, wires, and metal parts—into the shape of Oedipus, the Sphinx, and other figures from the original painting. The result is a modern reimagining of the classical scene, where the mythological figures emerge from the chaotic assembly of everyday waste. Muniz's work comments on consumption, waste, and the transformation of materials, inviting viewers to rethink traditional notions of art and value. The piece is part of Muniz's Pictures of Junk series, which explores the interplay between classical imagery and modern materiality.

Vik Muniz (Brazil, 1961) is a celebrated contemporary artist known for his innovative use of unconventional materials like chocolate, garbage, and thread. He recreates iconic images with these mediums, blurring the line between high art and everyday objects. Muniz’s works explore perception, memory, and the relationship between art and reality.

Vik Muniz

Oedipus and Sphinx, after Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres (Pictures of Junk), 2006

Name: Oedipus and Sphinx, after Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres (Pictures of Junk), 2006
SKU: 13386

Form

Photography

PhotographyPhotography is the process of creating an image on light sensitive materials. The image is produced by using a camera, which has a lens that focuses on light either reflected or emitted from an object. These visible wavelengths are used to reproduce the image seen.

Medium

C-Print

C-PrintA C-type print, also known as a chromogenic print, is a photographic print made from a color negative or slide. The print is created on chromogenic paper, which contains three emulsion layers, each sensitized to a different primary color. After exposure, the paper is processed in a series of chemical baths, where each layer reacts to the chemicals to produce the final image. C-type prints are known for their rich color depth and are widely used in fine art and commercial photography.

Edition

Edition of 6 + 4AP

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The great challenge is how to make smart, intelligent art that can speak to everybody.
- Vik Muniz

Vik Muniz is a photographer and artist from Brazil. He was originally a sculptor, but grew increasingly interested in the artistic photographs that were being taken of his work. Vik Muniz now focuses his artistic talents completely on photography, and uses a number of unconventional items such as diamonds, garbage and chocolate syrup to create images that depict certain events in history and pop culture. Vik Muniz got his start in art in a rather unique way. He was working in advertising as a teenager, and on his way back from a formal gala, he tried to break up a street fight. One of the the men accidentally shot him in the leg, and paid Muniz not to press charges against him. Vik Muniz then moved to New York, where he worked in an art studio his friend lent him and began sculpting. Vik Muniz is very popular with art enthusiasts, and his Rio de Janeiro's MAM was second in attendance only to Picasso's exhibits. Vik Muniz was also part of the documentary Wasteland, where the artwork he'd created in the garbage dumps outside of Rio de Janeiro was featured. The movie was nominated for an Academy Award. (Artist website)

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EUR 25,000

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USD 6,200

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Artwork by Miles Aldridge

What is contemporary art?

Contemporary art refers to avant-garde or innovative art created in the recent past or present day. The exact starting point of contemporary art varies depending on the institution, often tied to the founding year of museums or galleries that showcase the style. Contemporary art is characterized by its focus on current ideas, diverse media, and the exploration of new concepts and techniques.

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Vik Muniz

Oedipus and Sphinx, after Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres (Pictures of Junk), 2006

237.5 x 180.3 cm

Language & Currency

Vik Muniz