Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

Vivian Maier’s Stardom Brings Out Claimants, Stifles Sales of Work

September 8, 2014 by Marion Maneker

Vivian Maier Self Portrait

The New York Times’s Randy Kennedy tries to untangle the scrum of claimants surrounding the work of previously unknown photographer, Vivian Maier.  What began as a fascinating story of an important artist rescued from obscurity has turned into a free-for-all of claimants and lawyers. Kennedy explains how a former commercial photographer took it upon himself to find an alternative heir to the one already paid for Maier’s copyright.

Meanwhile, Chicago has put its own claims into the mix leaving John Maloof, the Chicagoan who found the initial trove of Maier’s work–and promoted her–in a state of limbo:

The state public administrator’s office for Cook County, in Chicago, which is charged with overseeing estates until relatives or others are approved by the courts to do so, created an estate for Maier on July 1 and has sent letters to Mr. Maloof and others who sell her work — prints can cost more than $2,000 apiece — warning them of possible lawsuits over Maier’s assets. The Stephen Bulger Gallery, in Toronto, which lists dozens of Maier prints on its website, received a letter on Aug. 19 from a Chicago law firm, Marshall, Gerstein & Borun, representing the estate, asking it to preserve all documents related to her work and its sale.

“We are investigating the potential misuse and infringement of copyrighted works whose rights are held by the estate,” the letter said, adding that the firm anticipated “filing litigation against the responsible parties upon completion of our investigation.” An exhibition of her work is on view at the Toronto gallery.

A Legal Battle Over Vivian Maier’s Work   (NYTimes.com)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • Christie Family Sells at Christie'sChristie Family Sells at Christie's
  • Bacon Triptych Featured in Christie’s London SaleBacon Triptych Featured in Christie’s London Sale
  • Heritage Spring Modern & Contemporary = $6.8mHeritage Spring Modern & Contemporary = $6.8m
  • Latin American Art on the Verge, Yet AgainLatin American Art on the Verge, Yet Again
  • How High Richter?How High Richter?
  • Vernissage TV: Christian Boltanski, PersonneVernissage TV: Christian Boltanski, Personne

Filed Under: General, Photography

About Marion Maneker

LiveArt

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor
 

Loading Comments...