Vivian Maier’s Chicago
Chicago History Museum, 1601 N Clark Street
One of Maier’s Rolleiflex Cameras
Inhibition: I bet the Chicago History Museum will be all about the great fire in 1871 and sports.
Betty’s Response: …and you got this information where?
Experience: This week I checked out the street photography of Vivian Maier exhibited at the Chicago History Museum. I first became aware of her work from a co-worker who had read an article about her in the newspaper. Only known as a nanny when living, her photography was discovered by John Maloof in 2007 just two years prior to her death.
Later that evening I saw the documentary, Finding Vivian Maier at none other than my favorite theater, Logan Theater.
The Maloof Collection, Vivian Maier
The Maloof Collection, Vivian Maier
The Maloof Collection, Vivian Maier
The Maloof Collection, Vivian Maier
The Maloof Collection, Vivian Maier (my favorite in this exhibition)
What I didn’t know: That although there’s an impressive sports history exhibit, the museum is as diverse as Chicago. A few exhibits are…in the Exelon Wing you can explore one of the original L-car trains (along with a brief overview of Chicago’s great fire) and get a better understanding of Chicago’s industrial history. Exploring the five senses in the Koen Family Children’s Gallery is simulated experiences like, catching a fly ball at Comisky Park. And considering Chicago his second home and political headquarters, the Alcoves gallery features President Lincoln’s connections to Chicago. Oh and before I move on to the Maier exhibition, I have to mention as you enter the museum you’re welcomed by a 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo lowrider…kewl!
permanent exhibition Chicago: Crossroads of America
The Maier exhibition is located in the KPMG and Paul and Katherine Snyder Community Gallery and I didn’t know how much I would feel a connection to these images. Perhaps it’s the perspective captured from her camera that typically shoots from the oporators mid-drift. There’s also an empathetic observation within the work that intrigues me…much like the photography of Diane Arbus.
The documentary Finding Vivian Maier cannot be missed! The incredible journey John Maloof goes on to discover who Vivian Maier was, why she prolifically photographed and yet kept it a secret, why she was a nanny/caregiver, and her family history is as fascinating as her images.
The Logan Theater, 2646 N Milwaukee Ave
Alright! So for now Betty and I are off but as always extending to you the invitation to SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!!!
My Bike Betty 