Vivian Maier: A Study in Street Photography

Introduction

• Vivian Maier was a mysterious figure in photography, akin to Churchill’s description of Russia.
• Known for her private nature and liberal worldview.
• Collected storage lockers with various items, including art materials and recordings.
• Her photography captured unique views of urban America in the mid to late 20th century.
• Discovered posthumously, her work is now celebrated worldwide.

Background and Early Life

• Born February 1, 1926, in NYC to a French mother and Austrian father.
• Grew up in France, returned to the U.S. in 1951.
• Began photography in 1949 with a Kodak Brownie.
• Moved to NYC in 1951 and then to Chicago in 1956.

Career and Photography

• Worked as a nanny throughout her life.
• Shot over 100,000 negatives, primarily in Chicago and NYC.
• Transitioned to a Rolleiflex camera in 1952.
• Documented Americana, historic landmarks, and unseen social groups.
• Created films and audio recordings alongside photography.

Later Years and Rediscovery

• Developed photographs in her own darkroom until the 1970s.
• Switched to color photography with Kodak Ektachrome in the 1970s.
• Faced financial difficulties, leading to storage auction in 2007.
• Work discovered by John Maloof, leading to global recognition.
• Passed away April 21, 2009, leaving a vast archive of work.

Personal Characteristics

• Described as eccentric, strong, opinionated, and private.
• Wore distinctive attire and constantly carried her camera.
• Captured images with an emotional and cultural depth.
• Traveled extensively and focused on marginalized communities.

Photography Techniques

• Her photos are now scanned from negatives, raising questions of artistic intent.
• Styles in her prints are meticulously studied to honor her artistic vision.
• Touched on themes of spontaneity and street life similar to famous photographers.

Influence and Legacy

• Jeanne Bertrand, an early influence, and significant figure, taught her photography basics.
• Bertrand was a portrait photographer, influencing Maier’s early controlled portrait work.
• Maier’s shift to street photography paralleled the styles of renowned photographers.
• Her work is now part of a renaissance in street photography.

Conclusion

• Vivian Maier remains a compelling figure in the art world.
• Her work offers a fascinating glimpse into American life and the evolution of photography.
• Her legacy continues through ongoing exhibitions and archival efforts led by John Maloof.