(For a photographer, like most people, I don’t like to read introductions and reviews first. After I was impressed by Vivian’s work, I bought two of her photobooks. I think I am interested in Vivian. Friends should also appreciate her works first and then read the detailed introduction to avoid preconceived concepts)
For Vivian's work, the first thing that strikes me is the relationship between her and the subject. It is so direct and comfortable, such a magical power that most people cannot master. At such a close distance, imagine that in real life, someone suddenly took a picture of you with a camera. How do you feel? If it was me, in fact, I would dodge subconsciously, out of the protection of my privacy or my natural shyness and lack of self-confidence. Maybe people's awareness of self-protection may not have been so strong in those times, and maybe that camera wouldn't arouse the unease of those who were photographed, but I believe that Vivian must have the ability to integrate into unfamiliar environments.
Her stubbornness, closedness, and stark insight into worldly things give her work independence and creativity. Being away from the crowd, the work is independent - I think this reflects a great dilemma for today's art creators.
From her photos, you can see a person's life. To be able to generate such emotional resonance is really commendable. "Like a discerning eye, thorough human nature, full of caring, and with a hint of banter"
People say she lives the way she wants, but I still can't see her face.
Now Vivian's works are on the market and become auction items. From my crudest understanding of her, I think this must not be what she wants. She does not deny that she is a good photographer, and she is not insecure about her creation. But she hardly ever showed her pictures to others in her whole life. I guess maybe it's her self-isolation and depression that make it difficult for her to open up to others. In any case, these works are very precious to her, otherwise she would not have been able to keep spending money and keep them around for so many years. We thought it might be a good thing for her to announce her existence to the world, but we still owe her a lot. Too much.
Who knows. From Vivian's point of view, the story is another story.
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