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Vivian Maier: The Enigma Revealed by Street Photographer John Maloof

Roger Turner

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The Discovery of a Lost Legacy

Vivian Maier was a street photographer whose work was largely unknown until after her death. Her photographs were discovered in 2007 by John Maloof, a photographer who purchased boxes of her belongings at an auction. Maloof was immediately struck by the quality of Maier's work and began to research her life and career.

Maier was born in New York City in 1926. She worked as a nanny for most of her life, but she also pursued her passion for photography. She often took photographs while she was out walking with the children she cared for. Maier's photographs are candid and often capture the everyday lives of people in the cities where she lived, including Chicago, New York City, and Los Angeles.

Vivian Maier: Street Photographer

by John Maloof

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	25725 KB
Print length	:	136 pages

Vivian Maier Self Portrait Vivian Maier: Street Photographer John Maloof

A Window into the Past

Maier's photographs offer a unique glimpse into the past. They capture the streets of Chicago, New York City, and Los Angeles in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Her photographs document the changing social and economic landscape of these cities, as well as the lives of the people who lived there.

Maier was particularly interested in photographing children. Her photographs of children are often candid and capture their innocence and vulnerability. Maier also photographed adults, but she often focused on those who were marginalized or overlooked by society.

Vivian Maier Children Playing Vivian Maier: Street Photographer John Maloof — Vivian Maier, children playing, circa 1950s

The Enigma of Vivian Maier

Maier was a complex and enigmatic figure. She was a private person who rarely talked about her life or her work. She never married or had children, and she lived a simple life. Maier's photographs are the only real insight we have into her inner world.

Maier's work has been praised for its technical skill and its artistic vision. Her photographs are often compared to the work of other great street photographers, such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Frank. Maier's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and her photographs have been published in several books.

Vivian Maier Street Scene Vivian Maier: Street Photographer John Maloof

John Maloof: Preserving Maier's Legacy

John Maloof has played a pivotal role in preserving Vivian Maier's legacy. After discovering her work, Maloof spent years researching her life and career. He also worked to promote her work and to ensure that it was properly preserved.

In 2013, Maloof published a book of Maier's photographs titled "Vivian Maier: Street Photographer." The book was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to bring Maier's work to a wider audience. Maloof has also curated several exhibitions of Maier's work, and he has worked with other organizations to promote her legacy.

John Maloof And Vivian Maier Vivian Maier: Street Photographer John Maloof — John Maloof and Vivian Maier, circa 2010

A Lasting Legacy

Vivian Maier's work is a valuable contribution to the history of photography. Her photographs offer a unique glimpse into the past and provide a powerful commentary on the human condition. Maier's work is a testament to the power of photography to capture the beauty and complexity of the world around us.

John Maloof's dedication to preserving Vivian Maier's legacy has ensured that her work will continue to be enjoyed and appreciated for generations to come.

Vivian Maier: Street Photographer

by John Maloof

4.7 out of 5