Vivian Maier (1926 – 2009) was an American street photographer whose massive, unseen body of work came to light when it was purchased from an auction in Chicago in 2007. Born in New York City, Maier spent some of her youth in France and then worked in Chicago as a nanny and caregiver for most of her life. In her leisure, however, Maier ventured into the art of photography. 

Consistently taking photographs over the course of five decades, she would ultimately leave behind over 100,000 negatives. While her photographs have compelled viewers around the world since being brought to the public eye there is much that remains unknown about the enigmatic woman behind the lens.

Self-portrait, Chicago, n.d., Printed 2016, Gelatin silver print, Ed. 13/15, Image: 12 x 12 in. / Paper: 20 x 16 in., Photographer's collection stamp signed by John Maloof with date, print date, & edition number in ink on print verso, © Estate of Vivian Maier, Courtesy of Maloof Collection and Howard Greenberg Gallery, NY

A selection of her work is currently on view at Madelyn Jordon Fine Art, in Westchester. On Thursday, July 12, the gallery is hosting a walk through and a screening of Finding Vivian Maier. The film (dir. John Maloof and Charlie Siskel), which was nominated for an Academy Award, explores Maier’s strange and riveting life and art through never before seen photographs, films, and interviews with dozens who thought they knew her.

The exhibition Vivian Maier Revealed: Selections from the Archives is on view through August 11 at Madelyn Jordon Fine Art, 37 Popham Road, Scarsdale, NY Info

Chicago, IL, August 16, 1956, Printed 2016, Gelatin silver print, Ed. 11/15, Image: 12 x 12 in. / Paper: 20 x 16 in., Photographer's collection stamp signed by John Maloof with date, print date, & edition number in ink on print verso, © Estate of Vivian Maier, Courtesy of Maloof Collection and Howard Greenberg Gallery, NY

Chicago, IL, c. 1960, Printed 2017, Gelatin silver print, Ed. 12/15, Image: 12 x 12 in. / Paper: 20 x 16 in., Photographer's collection stamp signed by John Maloof with date, print date, & edition number in ink on print verso, © Estate of Vivian Maier, Courtesy of Maloof Collection and Howard Greenberg Gallery, NY

Untitled, n.d., Printed 2017, Gelatin silver print, Ed. 10/15, Image: 12 x 12 in. / Paper: 20 x 16 in., Photographer's collection stamp signed by John Maloof with date, print date, & edition number in ink on print verso, © Estate of Vivian Maier, Courtesy of Maloof Collection and Howard Greenberg Gallery, NY