Vik Muniz
Minotaur, after George Frederic Watts, 2006
Framed chromogenic print mounted on aluminum
218 × 180 cm
The work ‘Minotaur’, 2006 is a reference to the painting made by George Frederic Watts in 1885.
The Minotaur is a mythical creature from the Greek mythology, with the head of a bull and the body of a man. According to legend, Minotaur was imprisoned in a labyrinth built by the famous Daedalus on the orders of King Minos of Crete. The labyrinth was constructed so intricately that anyone entering it would never find their way out.
Legend says Minotaur fed on the sacrifices of Athenian men and women as tribute to Minos. Only the hero Theseus was determined to kill the monster and have tribute ended. He managed to find his way into the labyrinth, defeat the Minotaur, and escape with the help of the golden thread given to him by Ariadne.
The Minotaur remains an iconic image in art, literature, and folk culture with its powerful symbolism that fascinates the viewer.
‘Minotaur’ by George Frederic Watts is held in the Tate Britain in London, UK.
