Vivian Maier’s (1926-2009) story is one of the most remarkable in the history of photography. During nearly 40 years working as a nanny, she walked the streets of New York and Chicago with a camera around her neck, often accompanied by the children in her care. At the height of the American Drean, Maier belonged to an invisible working-class and remained a quiet witness to the world around her. Where others saw ordinary daily life, she saw an endless source of images, at t times through a child’s eyes: colourful characters, fleeting encounters, strange coincidences and the tragicomic moments of everyday life. The artist documented post-war America from the 1950s to the late 1980s with an extraordinary instinct, creating a unique visual portrait of the era, with life itself in the leading role. Yet, the French-American photographer remained unknown during her lifetime, before the chance discover of her archive brought her extraordinary talent to the world and posthumously established her among the great names of 20th century photography. Now, Fotografiska Tallin opens Vivian Maier: Unseen Work.
The exhibition follows on from two hugely successful shows at Fotografiska New York and Shanghai, demonstrating the truly international appeal of Maier’s work. Maarja Loorents, Head of Exhibitions and Co-Founder of Fotografiska Tallinn explained: “Vivian Maier’s story is extraordinary, but what matters even more is how powerfully her photographs speak even without knowing that story. The exhibition offers an excellent overview of the work of one of the most gifted street photographers of the last century, from her iconic images of the streets of Chicago and New York to her more abstract work and colour photography.” Vivian Maier: Unseen Work features 230 monochrome and colour prints as well as exclusive access to audio recordings and super 8 films, which are a fascinating insight into her worldview.
Maier’s work is distinct in its ability to balance the urban fabric and architectural details of the city and the margins of everyday life. She frequently focused the camera on people who had stepped out of the constant flow of the streets and remained at its edges, waiting, watching or simply dozing. Her visual language brings together humanist American street photography traditions, intersperse with striking self-portraits in which Maier herself occasionally enters the frame. Colour and film became part of her later work, as she experimented with movement and kinetic sequences, bringing elements of cinematic language into her practice. Her vast archive, only discovered in 2007, comprises more than 120,000 negatives as well as her own documentary films and audio recordings. Its chance discovery placed her within the ranks of the 20th century’s influential figures, including Henri Cartier-Bresson, Diane Arbus and Robert Frank.
This exhibition is testament to an almost unparalleled career. The fact that Maier captured these photographs for the simple reason that she wanted to document her surroundings gives them an authenticity that’s often difficult to find. Her work maintains a distinct voice, a unique perspective and a clear vision – unaffected by external influence. Vivian Maier: Unseen Works is a testament to why her photographs are so enduring, revealing a perfect time capsule of 20th century urban life.
Vivian Maier: Unseen Works is at Fotografiska, Tallinn from 19 September: tallinn.fotografiska.com
Words: Emma Jacob
Image Credits:
Vivian Maier. Self-Portrait, New York, NY, 1954 © Estate of Vivian Maier, Courtesy of Maloof Collection and Howard Greenberg Gallery, NY.
2. Vivian Maier. New York, NY, July 27, 1954 © Estate of Vivian Maier, Courtesy of Maloof Collection and Howard Greenberg Gallery, NY.
3. Vivian Maier. Self-Portrait, New York, NY, 1953 © Estate of Vivian Maier, Courtesy of Maloof Collection and Howard Greenberg Gallery, NY.
4. Vivian Maier. Chicago, IL, n.d. © Estate of Vivian Maier, Courtesy of Maloof Collection and Howard Greenberg Gallery, NY.
