Routine visit to an auction of storage lockers turned incredible for John Maloof, a real estate agent from Chicago, who found historical materials in one locker in 2007. He purchased the items for about $380. Initially, his interest was merely pragmatic since he wanted to find pictures that would help him develop a local history project.Quickly after, Maloof came across a collection of photographs taken by Vivian Maier, a nanny and an unknown photographer. As he went on to examine other auction lots, he discovered a large collection of pictures. Eventually, the real estate agent amassed more than 100,000 negatives and prints.The discovery brought the work of one of the greatest street photographers of the 20th century to light. It also posed the question of how an artist could have gone unnoticed for so long.How the collection was foundAccording to the University of Chicago Library, Maloof realised the significance of the pictures after purchasing the materials from several storage lockers in 2007. The photographs depict daily life on the streets of such places as Chicago and New York City. They are characterised by an uncommon clarity and profound insight.Maloof began to collect, scan, and distribute these pictures. With every discovery from this collection, it became evident that this was no minor find. This was the life’s work of an outstanding photographer.The scale of Vivian Maier’s collectionOne of the key facts about Maier’s archive is its scale. According to the University of Chicago Library, Maloof’s collection has more than 100,000 negatives and prints.A huge number of photos implies years of constant labour. Moreover, it gives an opportunity to trace certain trends in Maier’s photography. These may include the depicted themes, chosen locations, and styles used. Now, the archive is backed up by archival materials and finding aids that make it accessible.Academics state that such an extensive corpus, never exhibited in public, is quite a rare phenomenon. This provides additional insights into this photographer who went unnoticed in her lifetime.
A routine auction buy built a global legacy. Image credit – Wikimedia
Who Is Vivian Maier?Vivian Maier was a nanny by profession. Nevertheless, she had her own hobby – photography, which she pursued in her free time. Her work lay dormant in boxes and storage spaces. She never exhibited her work in galleries or featured it in any publications during her life.Tableau, a magazine from the University of Chicago, states that it was only after the discovery and release of her photos that her work got recognised.What sets this particular example apart is that usually, artists establish their fame during their own lifetime. Maier’s fame came long after her death, and her reputation was established posthumously.From personal collection to academic achievementWhen Maloof began exhibiting Maier’s works, the interest spread rapidly. Not only were her photos showcased in galleries, but they also found a place in various publications. The tale also motivated the production of the film “Finding Vivian Maier,” which was nominated for an Oscar.The involvement of organisations such as the University of Chicago meant that the archive received a level of permanence and stopped being a personal collection to become an academic source of information.Significance of the discovery of Vivian Maier’s worksThis example demonstrates the importance of such discoveries in the life of many talented artists who may never reach recognition because of various reasons. For instance, Maier’s work existed for decades and did not receive any attention.In order to detect new talents in the world of art, researchers usually need to use certain mechanisms, which include participation in exhibitions and discussions. In the current example, all photographs existed independently of them.Creation of cultural heritage after deathUnfortunately, the artist passed away in 2009, and the world learned about her only after her demise. Today, Vivian Maier is regarded as one of the most talented photographers and representatives of the genre of street photography.As the University of Chicago archival record shows, her photos became quite popular and even gained some cultural significance. One can say that this woman created something that will last forever after death.In the late 2000s, during a regular storage locker auction in Chicago, an incredible find of the era was discovered. While looking for some historical pictures of Chicago for his neighbourhood project, the real estate agent and historian found out the entire life’s works of a mysterious photographer.
