Vik
 
Muniz
Inmigrantes
1999

Cibrachrome

48 x 60 in.

Vik

Muniz

Inmigrantes (1999) draws attention to the vulnerability of immigrants, the challenges they face, and the perceptions of them in their new environments. By crafting powerful imagery from ephemeral or discarded objects, Muniz emphasizes that, like materials, people can be easily overlooked yet play an integral role in the construction of society.

In this work, Muniz uses liquid chocolate to create intricate images that reflect the struggles and resilience of immigrants. He begins by selecting a powerful photograph related to immigration, then carefully manipulates the chocolate with brushes and tools while

it is still fluid. As the chocolate cools, he builds layers of texture and detail to bring the image to life. Once completed, Muniz photographs the artwork, capturing the fleeting nature of the material before it melts or degrades.

The use of chocolate is symbolic, representing both comfort and the harsh realities of labor and consumption, deeply tied to the immigrant experience. By preserving this delicate creation in a photograph, Muniz freezes a moment of vulnerability and strength, much like the journey of immigration itself.

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