How I 'Stole' an Interview with Vik Muniz in Rome

The experience of interviewing Vik Muniz in Rome was an unexpected and humorous adventure, beginning with language barriers at the Brazilian Embassy and culminating in a private, insightful discussion with the artist. Despite initial challenges and a mistaken identity as a French journalist, the author successfully secured a unique interview for The Working Artist project. Vik Muniz proved to be generous, brilliant, and insightful, resulting in an amazing interview. I brought no Italian to Rome.At the Brazilian Embassy, I tell the guard that I am to see the great artist Vik Muniz. The guard speaks no English. My best mime only warrants a raised eyebrow.In desperation, I plead, “Parlez francais?” though I do not. A call is placed and I gather that I have been mistaken for a french journalist of great repute. “French” because everyone now speaks to me in french, though my only reply is my customary Gallic shrug. “Journalist of repute” because I was granted the sole private interview with the artist so they assume I must be somebody.The red carpet is rolled out as a diplomat whisks me upstairs to Vik. Introductions are made, in french, to Vik as he looks at me, baffled, and exclaims. “It’s you!” We embrace as I explain how I chased him to Rome, wanting an interview for my Working Artist project, and how I carefully connived to arrange this meeting.They give us an ornate room to talk in private. Vik helps me set up my film equipment and, as I struggle, he patiently teaches me how to use my tripod. Oh God, I repeat to myself nervously. The Brazillian Ambassador drops in to say hello. Oh God. A white-gloved man in uniform silently serves us espresso. I am shaking with caffeinated nerves.But he was the same Vik Muniz he has always been, generous, brilliant, hilarious, insightful, and gorgeous. And in the end, I got an amazing interview.Written by Crista Cloutier, artist mentor + founder of The Working Artist. (learn more about Crista here)