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A review by topfife
Vivian by Christina Hesselholdt
3.0
Deeply enjoyed this odd book, a work of documentary-fiction about the life of late-discovered photographer and nanny, Vivian Maier and their dysfunctional immigrant family.
I found myself uncomfortable a fair few times at the pure fact that it is a work of fiction speculating on a lived life pieced together from fragments of Vivian, employers and the body of work left behind after death. Maier was a cripplingly private person, so to have a life unpicked and explored is A Decision.
However, Hesselholdt did it in a rich, varied, critical and entertaining way - exploring identity, inter-personal relationships, immigrant communities and mental health through a range of different voices.
For me, it’s also opened up a few questions about my relationship to photography and people, which I need to explore a little future before putting on record.
I found myself uncomfortable a fair few times at the pure fact that it is a work of fiction speculating on a lived life pieced together from fragments of Vivian, employers and the body of work left behind after death. Maier was a cripplingly private person, so to have a life unpicked and explored is A Decision.
However, Hesselholdt did it in a rich, varied, critical and entertaining way - exploring identity, inter-personal relationships, immigrant communities and mental health through a range of different voices.
For me, it’s also opened up a few questions about my relationship to photography and people, which I need to explore a little future before putting on record.