The ethics of what John Maloof did in publishing these photos are fascinating and challenge all sorts of ideas about "artistic intent," and even notions about how much respect is owed someone with mental illness. Despite his self-serving arguments to the contrary, it's not at all clear that Vivian would have wanted these photos to survive her death. And it's crystal clear she would not have chosen Maloof (or likely anyone else) to cull and edit them as he has. Yet he did a beautiful job, and I'm really glad that he did it, and that we get to see these amazing photos. Vivian's work presents the "hard case" that challenges so many of the rules. Really an amazing story. Someone needs to make the big-budget Hollywood drama. I wonder who could play Vivian?
The ethics of what John Maloof did in publishing these photos are fascinating and challenge all sorts of ideas about "artistic intent," and even notions about how much respect is owed someone with mental illness. Despite his self-serving arguments to the contrary, it's not at all clear that Vivian would have wanted these photos to survive her death. And it's crystal clear she would not have chosen Maloof (or likely anyone else) to cull and edit them as he has. Yet he did a beautiful job, and I'm really glad that he did it, and that we get to see these amazing photos. Vivian's work presents the "hard case" that challenges so many of the rules. Really an amazing story. Someone needs to make the big-budget Hollywood drama. I wonder who could play Vivian?