New Exhibit Features Never-Before-Seen Vivian Maier Photos

WDCB’s Gary Zidek previews the Chicago History Museum’s latest exhibition, VIVIAN MAIER: IN COLOR.

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“It feels like a true privilege to get to see someone’s work when it hasn’t been seen before,” - VIVIAN MAIER: IN COLOR curator Frances Dorenbaum talking about her initial impressions looking through this collection of Maier’s work.

It’s been well over a decade since the world first heard the name Vivian Maier and saw her work as a photographer. Since then, the mythology surrounding the late North Shore nanny who quietly took extraordinary photos in her free time has intrigued people all over the world. The Chicago History Museum is tapping into the public’s fascination with the extremely talented and mysterious photographer, with a new exhibition titled VIVIAN MAIER: IN COLOR.

VIVIAN MAIER: IN COLOR features more than 65 color photos (most of which have never been seen), from art collectors Jeffrey Goldstein, John Maloof, and Ron Slattery. It’s the first time work from these three collections have been featured together in one exhibition. The exhibit also includes clips from films, made by Maier, and a series of sound bites featuring Maier’s voice.

Last year, the Chicago History Museum acquired nearly 1,800 Vivian Maier color slides, negatives and transparencies from art collector Jeffrey Goldstein. The collection primarily consists of photos taken in Chicago during a period between the 1950s-1970s.

VIVIAN MAIER: IN COLOR just opened on May 8 and doesn’t have a closing date, the Chicago History Museum plans to have it on display for the foreseeable future. You can more information at chicagohistory.org