Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado, known for his humanitarian work and meticulously documented images of human condition, has passed away at the age of 81. With a career spanning over six decades, Salgado produced more than 500,000 images while documenting various continents and geopolitical events.
Salgado began photographing at 29 after picking up his wife’s camera and built an impressive reputation as a photojournalist in the 1970s. He worked with Magnum Photos before focusing on landscapes and pre-modern human communities through his Genesis project. His late project Amazônia saw him spend nine years exploring the Amazon rainforest.
Throughout his career, Salgado was known for his meticulous approach, often using unconventional modes of transportation to capture images from unique perspectives. His work is characterized by its high contrast black-and-white prints, showcasing a remarkable obsession with light and texture.
Salgado’s human portraits are notable for their subtlety and nuance, capturing the emotions and struggles of individuals in various cultures. Despite facing health issues due to his intense work, Salgado continued to produce remarkable work until his passing.
The renowned photographer’s legacy will be remembered as a testament to his commitment to humanity and his ability to document the human condition through powerful images.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/may/23/sebastiao-salgado-photographer-death-legacy