Salgado's work has profoundly influenced documentary photography, capturing humanity and the environment in powerful imagery.
Sebastião Salgado, Renowned Brazilian Photographer, Passes Away at 81
Sebastião Salgado, Renowned Brazilian Photographer, Passes Away at 81
The impactful photographer known for his evocative depictions of life and nature leaves behind a remarkable legacy.
Sebastião Salgado, the iconic Brazilian photographer famed for his hauntingly beautiful images of nature and humanity, has passed away at the age of 81. His death was confirmed on Friday by Instituto Terra, the environmental organization co-founded by him and his wife. While the cause of death was not disclosed, family members indicated that Salgado had battled several health issues after suffering from malaria.
The announcement by Instituto Terra celebrated Salgado as more than just a photographer, noting that “his lens revealed the world and its contradictions; his life, the power of transformative action.” Known for his mastery in black-and-white photography, Salgado gained acclaim for his compelling images of the Amazon rainforest and its people.
Throughout his prolific career, Salgado documented the struggles of impoverished communities both in Brazil and beyond. One of his most significant works was a series of photographs taken in 1986 in the Brazilian state of Pará, portraying the harsh conditions faced by workers in a gold mine.
Salgado's contributions to photography were recognized with a multitude of prestigious awards, including the Leica Oskar Barnack Award and several accolades from World Press Photo. In addition, he was honored as an honorary member of the Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1992 and the French Academy of Fine Arts in 2016.
Born on February 8, 1944, in Aimorés, a small town in Minas Gerais, Brazil, Salgado left the country in the late 1960s in response to the military dictatorship. His impactful career has left an indelible mark on the world of documentary photography. A full obituary detailing his life and legacy will be published shortly.
The announcement by Instituto Terra celebrated Salgado as more than just a photographer, noting that “his lens revealed the world and its contradictions; his life, the power of transformative action.” Known for his mastery in black-and-white photography, Salgado gained acclaim for his compelling images of the Amazon rainforest and its people.
Throughout his prolific career, Salgado documented the struggles of impoverished communities both in Brazil and beyond. One of his most significant works was a series of photographs taken in 1986 in the Brazilian state of Pará, portraying the harsh conditions faced by workers in a gold mine.
Salgado's contributions to photography were recognized with a multitude of prestigious awards, including the Leica Oskar Barnack Award and several accolades from World Press Photo. In addition, he was honored as an honorary member of the Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1992 and the French Academy of Fine Arts in 2016.
Born on February 8, 1944, in Aimorés, a small town in Minas Gerais, Brazil, Salgado left the country in the late 1960s in response to the military dictatorship. His impactful career has left an indelible mark on the world of documentary photography. A full obituary detailing his life and legacy will be published shortly.
