Maier's background adds to the intrigue surrounding her work. She was born to an Austrian father and a French mother, spending a significant part of her childhood in France. This diverse cultural upbringing likely influenced her unique perspective as a photographer.
The discovery of Vivian Maier's extensive collection of photographs was a turning point in her posthumous recognition. John Maloof, a real estate agent with a passion for Chicago history, stumbled upon her unseen work in an unpaid storage locker in 2007. This discovery led to the unveiling of over 100,000 negatives, slides, and prints, shedding light on Maier's hidden talent.
Maier's photography style was distinctive, primarily focusing on black-and-white compositions captured with a square-format Rolleiflex camera. Her keen eye for detail and composition set her apart, drawing comparisons to renowned photographers like Diane Arbus, Richard Avedon, and Bill Brandt.
The recent exhibition "Vivian Maier: Unseen Work" at Fotografiska offers a comprehensive showcase of Maier's oeuvre, featuring over 200 works, including color photographs taken with a Leica, Super 8 films, and audio recordings. This exhibition provides a rare opportunity to delve into Maier's artistic legacy and evaluate her significant contribution to the world of photography.
Maier's self-portraits stand out as some of her most intriguing pieces. Through mirrors and reflections, she explored themes of identity and self-discovery, creating a body of work that reflects her quest to understand herself amidst the complexities of life.
Despite the mystery that shrouds Vivian Maier's personal life and intentions behind her photography, her work continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Through her lens, she captured the essence of the human experience, leaving behind a legacy that cements her place among the greats in photographic history
