Having seen plenty of her photographs in recent years, we might have gotten used to the idea that Vivian Maier was a classic street photographer, even though her style is unmistakable, her story exceptional, and her sensibility one that can soften the hardest heart. With the exhibition of her self-portraits at the Howard Greenberg gallery, we learn that the American photographer was also fond of games and illusions. Because she was solitary—perhaps she even suffered from a form of autism common for artists—her approach to mis-en-scène could only be fulfilled through her own representation. Once again we find her in the streets—her favorite terrain—but this time reflected in mirrors, windows, a metal trashcan, a hubcap, and as shadows cast on the walls and flower beds.
Some of Vivian Maier’s self-portraits show remarkable ingenuity. They have to be closely examined to understand how they were taken, as when she photographs her reflection in a window, and in the center of the image, with incredible clarity, two women appear seated on the other side of the window, their legs merging with Maier’s. Less complicated but just as troubling is another where she’s seen, Rolleiflex in hand, framed large in the reflection of cigarette machine. Or in another, in which she appears twice, once underexposed and large, and again small and at the bottom of the frame. Here, three planes merge without us really noticing, three separative perspective brought together by the flattening magic of photography. One could suspect that Vivian Maier was a romantic, less so that she was an outstanding technician.
At a time when we use our cell phones to take pictures standing in front of monuments, partying at concerts and posing with celebrities, and then posting them to various social networks, this exhibition examines the narcissism inherent in the act, whether it’s Vivian Maier, another famous photographer, or an amateur behind the camera. For her, however, we might assume that this approach was a form of therapy, a way to fit into society, to exist through the image, given the number of photographs like it and their playful characters. What’s fascinating about Vivian Maier is that all the questions about her may remain unanswered. The answers are buried in her work. What more lovely thing to contemplate than an enigma?
Note: To coincide with Vivian Maier’s self-portraits, the Howard Greenberg gallery is also exhibiting some never-before-seen examples of her work.
Vivian Maier, Selfportraits
Until December 14th, 2013
chez Howard Greenberg Gallery
Suite 1406?41 E 57th St
New York
USA
T. (212) 334-0010
