Vivian Maier

Vivian Maier’s vast body of photographs captures fleeting moments on the streets of mid-century New York and Chicago. Over the course of five decades, the artist shot more than 100,000 negatives during her time off while she worked as a nanny and a caregiver. Yet her work was mostly discovered after her death. Maier’s negatives were purchased at auction near the end of her life, and her pictures have since gained renown via the 2013 documentary Finding Vivian Maier and exhibitions in New York, London, Paris, and Chicago, among other cities. A 2014 monograph by John Maloof—the collector who purchased her archive—also helped elevate Maier’s status from prolific hobbyist to long-underappreciated fine artist. Maier’s trove of images now offers a compelling glimpse into the development of street photography during the 20th century.