Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Vik Muniz now resides and works in New York. Originally studying in advertising, Muniz moved to New York where he began his artistic career as a sculptor in the late 1980s. He is most recognized for his photographs of re-imagined, largely art historical imagery, which he creates out of a wide variety of materials—from chocolate and sugar to junk and toys. Muniz is involved in social projects that use art-making as a force for change and was named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 2011.