Vivian Maier

Early Life and Background

Vivian Dorothy Maier was born on February 1, 1926, in New York City to a French mother and an Austrian father. She spent parts of her childhood in France, which is where she first discovered photography. Her upbringing was marked by transatlantic moves, contributing to her later cosmopolitan outlook. Maier’s formative years were influenced by both the urban hustle of New York and the serene rural life in the French countryside.

Career Beginnings and Development

In her early twenties, she moved back to the United States permanently. Maier worked various jobs but predominantly found employment as a nanny and caregiver for several families over the years in Chicago. This career choice afforded her the freedom to explore photography. Armed with her Rolleiflex camera, she documented the vibrant streets and people around her with a distinct style characterized by candid, intimate, and often humorous photographs. Though she was intensely private about her work, Maier produced over 150,000 images during her lifetime.

Major Works and Discoveries

Vivian Maier's body of work remained largely unknown during her lifetime. It was only in 2007, two years before her death, that her vast collection of undeveloped film rolls was discovered by John Maloof at an auction. This finding revealed a prolific artist long overlooked by the public and the art world.

Awards and Recognition

Posthumously, Maier's work has been showcased in numerous international exhibitions and received acclaim from both critics and the public. Her photographs offer an observant and compassionate view of mid-20th-century American life, contributing significantly to the street photography genre.

Personal Life

Maier never married or had children, focusing her energy on her role as a nanny and her secret passion for photography. Her mysterious and private nature contributed to her unique approach to photography, capturing intimate moments of strangers with empathy and insight.

Legacy and Impact

Vivian Maier’s legacy is profound in the field of photography. She provides a comprehensive, unvarnished look at diverse urban landscapes through her compassionate and witty lens. Maier’s story has been adapted into the critically acclaimed documentary “Finding Vivian Maier,” which further amplified interest in her work and life. Her photographs continue to inspire new generations of photographers and have reshaped the understanding of hidden talent’s potential impact.

Later Life and Death

In her later years, Maier struggled with financial and health issues, spending her final days in a nursing home. She passed away on April 21, 2009, in Chicago, Illinois. Her work continues to be celebrated posthumously, with growing recognition of her critical role in the evolution of street photography.