Sebastião Salgado, a renowned Brazilian photographer, has died at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy of powerful imagery that spanned over five decades and 130 countries.
Sebastião Salgado: A Master of Photography and Environmental Advocacy Passes Away at 81
Sebastião Salgado: A Master of Photography and Environmental Advocacy Passes Away at 81
The world mourns the loss of Sebastião Salgado, an iconic photographer whose impactful images demonstrated the beauty and struggles of humanity and nature.
Salgado, celebrated for his haunting black-and-white photographs, dedicated his life to portraying the stark realities of human existence and the environment. His work famously captured pivotal historical moments, including the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and the devastating famine in the Sahel region during the 1980s. A statement from the Instituto Terra, an environmental organization he co-founded with his wife, Lélia Wanick Salgado, praised him as someone who used his art to highlight profound contradictions in the world.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil reflected on Salgado's impact, remarking that he was "one of the best photographers the world has given us." Amongst his enduring contributions was a stunning project titled "Amazônia," where he meticulously documented the indigenous tribes inhabiting the Amazon rainforest. Over seven years, he drew attention to their daily life, traditions, and the threats facing their environment.
The resulting exhibition featured more than 200 exquisite images showcasing the rich landscapes and intricate human stories within the rainforest, and it was displayed in notable venues such as the Science Museum in London.
Salgado began his career in photography in 1973, transitioning from economics to explore the power of visual storytelling. He later founded Amazonas Images with Lélia in 1994, producing a remarkable array of documentary work. His achievements were recognized with numerous awards, including the Outstanding Contribution to Photography at the Sony World Photography Awards in 2024 and the Prince of Asturias Award.
Through his contributions to photography and environmental restoration, including planting over three million trees in Brazil, Salgado and Lélia advocated for the interdependence of humanity and nature. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations, urging them to see the world through a lens of hope and compassion for both people and the planet.
