 |
Vivian MaierAmerican photographer
Date of Birth: 01.02.1926
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Vivian Maier
Vivian Maier was an American photographer known for her street photography in Chicago and New York. The majority of her work was created between 1950 and 1960. Her story is truly remarkable, as she remained unknown to the world until 2009 when John Maloof discovered a box of her old negatives at an auction.
Maloof, who initially had little knowledge about photography, stumbled upon Maier's work while researching for a freelance project on Portage Park. Intrigued by the contents of the box, Maloof began investigating the photographer's identity. He soon uncovered the talent of Vivian Maier, a self-taught photographer who captured countless brilliant shots throughout her life.
Interestingly, Maier never intended to share her photographs with the world. She viewed photography as a hobby and never sought recognition or fame. She passed away in 2009, but in the same year, the world finally discovered the brilliance of Vivian Maier as a photographer.
Early Life
Vivian Maier was born in 1926 in New York City, although there was some initial confusion regarding her birthplace, with France being considered as a possibility. Her father, Charles Maier, left the family under unknown circumstances around 1930, leaving her mother, Maria Jaussaud, to raise her. Maier spent her childhood traveling between America and France and eventually settled in New York City when she was 25 years old.
Life as a Nanny
In 1956, Maier moved to the Chicago area's North Shore, where she worked as a nanny for the next 40 years. Despite her somewhat eccentric and blunt personality, she had an incredible connection with children, who adored her. Among her former charges were the children of famous television host and producer Phil Donahue.
Throughout her life, Maier lived a transient lifestyle, moving from place to place and storing her belongings in boxes and suitcases. She dedicated her time to her beloved hobby of photography. Described as somewhat masculine in appearance, she often wore men's shirts and pants and always wore a men's hat in her self-portraits.
The Discovery of Her Work
Maier never showed her photographs to anyone, and she had no desire for recognition. However, she meticulously preserved her photo archives, which remained in excellent condition despite being taken decades ago. Towards the end of her life, Maier experienced a period of homelessness and relied on social security for support. However, one of her former charges later helped her by purchasing an apartment in Rogers Park and covering her expenses.
In 2008, Maier suffered a severe head injury after slipping on ice. Unfortunately, she never fully recovered and passed away on April 21, 2009. That year, the world learned about the extraordinary talent of the unassuming and enigmatic Vivian Maier through her remarkable photographs.
Legacy
Maier's photographs, predominantly capturing everyday city life, resonated with audiences worldwide. Today, her exhibitions have traveled across the globe, being featured in museums and galleries such as The Apartment Gallery in Oslo, the Chicago Cultural Center, the London Street Photography Festival, the Hearst Gallery in New York, the Stephen Cohen Gallery in Los Angeles, and the Galerie Hilaneh von Kories in Hamburg, among others.
In 2011, a book titled "Vivian Maier: Street Photographer" was published, showcasing her work. Maloof has yet to fully explore Maier's extensive photo archives, having sold a portion of them to collector Jeff Goldstein.
Notably, Maier, who never received any grants or scholarships, managed to travel extensively with her camera using the inheritance she received. She explored the world, capturing its essence through her lens, leaving behind a remarkable photographic legacy.
