Renowned photographer Sebastião Salgado, known for his poignant black-and-white images capturing human injustices and the Amazon rainforest’s beauty, has passed away at 81. His powerful photographs continue to inspire change and spark conversations about the world.
A Life of Lens: The Enduring Legacy of Sebastião Salgado
Documenting Human Injustice and the Natural World
Sebastião Salgado, a Brazilian photographer renowned for his poignant black-and-white images that shed light on human injustices and the Amazon rainforest, has passed away at the age of 81. His passing leaves behind a legacy of powerful photographs that have not only introduced the world to the Amazon’s vast beauty but also highlighted its fragility in the face of human activities and climate change.
Sebastião Salgado is a Brazilian photographer, economist, and environmentalist.
Born in 1944, he studied economics at the University of São Paulo before moving to Paris to pursue a career in photography.
His work focuses on social and labor issues, documenting the struggles of workers worldwide.
Notable projects include 'Migrations' (2000) and 'Genesis' (2019), which showcase his ability to capture poignant moments in human history.
Salgado's photographs have been exhibited globally and are held in high esteem for their emotional depth and storytelling ability.
From Economics to Photography
Born in rural Minas Gerais, Brazil, Salgado initially studied economics in São Paulo before developing a passion for photography. He moved to Paris with his wife, Lélia Wanick Salgado, during Brazil’s 1964-1985 military dictatorship, where he began taking pictures in the 1970s. This marked the beginning of an illustrious career that took him to over 130 countries across five decades.
Documenting Human Struggle and Environmental Concerns
Salgado‘s photographs are instantly recognizable for their expressive lighting and composition, which humanized those affected by injustice and natural disasters. His images captured the struggles of the poor world, often juxtaposing it with the richness of the wealthy world. He also drew attention to environmental issues, such as the destruction of the planet and the Amazon rainforest.
A Lasting Impact
One of his most famous photographs, taken in 1986, exposed illegal gold miners toiling away in the Serra Pelada mine in the Amazon. His latest mega-project, Amazônia (2021), showcased the Amazon’s beauty and diversity, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
Environmental Activism
Salgado‘s environmental concerns extended beyond his photography. He worked to restore the native Atlantic forest on his family farm in Minas Gerais through the Instituto Terra, a non-profit he co-founded with Lélia. The institute has reforested over 2,000 hectares of land and produced nearly 7 million seedlings since its establishment in 1998.
A Lasting Tribute
Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, observed a minute of silence when learning of Salgado‘s passing. The French Academy of Fine Arts described him as a ‘great witness to the human condition and the state of the planet.’ His work serves as a warning for humanity’s conscience, urging us to take action to preserve our planet’s beauty and resources.
A Monumental Body of Work
In the process of editing his monumental body of work, which includes over 500,000 pictures, Salgado left behind an archive that was meant to be sold. This collection will undoubtedly continue to inspire and educate future generations about the importance of environmental conservation and human rights.
As we remember Sebastião Salgado‘s remarkable life and legacy, we are reminded of the power of photography to inspire change and spark conversations about the world around us.
