50.8 x 40.6 cm | 20 x 16 in (paper size)
Edition #15/15
From July 3, 2025, to January 15, 2026, Ira Stehmann Fine Art presents an extraordinary exhibition offering a fresh and in-depth perspective on the work of the captivating photographer Vivian Maier. Titled “Myth in the Shadows – The Eye of Vivian Maier,” the show features not only her iconic black-and-white photographs but also a wide selection of her color work – a frequently overlooked facet of her artistic legacy.
Vivian Maier (1926–2009) is one of the most fascinating figures in the history of photography. Discovered only after her death, her work is now recognized as a milestone in the field of street photography. For decades, she documented urban life with a sharp and sensitive eye – all while remaining virtually invisible herself.
Her archive, comprising over 140,000 negatives, prints, and film rolls, is a hidden treasure whose significance only came to light posthumously. The exhibition “Myth in the Shadows – The Eye of Vivian Maier” tells the story of a woman who worked as a nanny while simultaneously creating a remarkable photographic chronicle of 20th-century everyday life.
Maier’s photographs capture fleeting, poignant moments – street scenes, reflections, gestures – infused with intensity and empathy. The myth of Vivian Maier continues to raise questions to this day: Who was this woman who observed the world with such a keen eye, yet remained hidden from it? When does a body of work become art? And who decides what is seen – and what remains in the shadows?
Ira Stehmann Fine Art presents not only the interplay of light and shadow in Vivian Maier’s black-and-white photography, but also the captivating color compositions and subtle emotional depth of her color work. Visitors are taken on a visual journey that casts a new light on the photographer and her legacy. Complementing the exhibition, a curated selection of books offers deeper insight into the life and work of this exceptional artist.
The exhibition provides a compelling glimpse into the life and vision of a woman who, through her lens, not only observed the world around her but continues to offer us a profound view into the human condition.
Location: Ira Stehmann Fine Art, Prinzregentenstr. 78, 81675 München
Dates: July 3, 2025 - January 15, 2026
Opening Hours: By appointment
We look forward to welcoming you!
