Vivian Maier was an extraordinary American street photographer whose work is celebrated for its unique perspective on urban life in the mid-20th century. Born in New York City on February 1, 1926, Maier spent much of her early life in France before returning to the United States in 1951. Employed as a nanny, she skillfully balanced her caregiving responsibilities while pursuing her passion for photography during her free time. Over the course of five decades, she amassed an impressive collection of over 100,000 negatives, documenting the rich tapestry of Chicago and New York City life.

Aside from photography, Maier also created homemade films and audio recordings, capturing various aspects of American culture, including the lives of diverse communities and the transformation of city landscapes. Her work remained largely undiscovered until 2007 when it was unearthed at a thrift auction, sparking a worldwide renaissance in street photography. Today, Maier's legacy is preserved through ongoing archiving efforts, allowing future generations to appreciate her remarkable contributions to the art form.