Known for his powerful work, his legacy continues to inspire and educate on environmental and social issues.
Sebastião Salgado: Iconic Brazilian Photographer Passes Away at 81
Sebastião Salgado: Iconic Brazilian Photographer Passes Away at 81
Renowned for his profound images of humanity and nature, Salgado was a pivotal figure in documentary photography.
Sebastião Salgado, an iconic Brazilian photographer recognized for his deeply impactful imagery of the Amazon rainforest and its inhabitants, has passed away at the age of 81. His passing was announced by Instituto Terra, the environmental nonprofit he co-founded with his wife. While the circumstances of his passing were not disclosed, family members revealed that he had been facing health challenges related to malaria.
“Sebastião transcended the role of a mere photographer,” Instituto Terra shared in a heartfelt statement on their social media, highlighting how his work showcased the often-overlooked truths of the world. Salgado was renowned for his use of black-and-white photography, portraying not only breathtaking scenes from the Amazon but also the struggles of impoverished communities in Brazil and beyond.
Among his groundbreaking works was a striking series captured in 1986, showcasing miners working under harsh conditions in a Brazilian gold mine, an endeavor that garnered him international acclaim. Throughout his illustrious career, Salgado received numerous prestigious accolades, including the Leica Oskar Barnack Award and multiple World Press Photo awards. His contributions were recognized further when he was made 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’s journey took a significant turn when he relocated to France in the wake of Brazil's military dictatorship in the late 1960s. A full obituary highlighting the profound impact of his work and legacy will be released soon.
“Sebastião transcended the role of a mere photographer,” Instituto Terra shared in a heartfelt statement on their social media, highlighting how his work showcased the often-overlooked truths of the world. Salgado was renowned for his use of black-and-white photography, portraying not only breathtaking scenes from the Amazon but also the struggles of impoverished communities in Brazil and beyond.
Among his groundbreaking works was a striking series captured in 1986, showcasing miners working under harsh conditions in a Brazilian gold mine, an endeavor that garnered him international acclaim. Throughout his illustrious career, Salgado received numerous prestigious accolades, including the Leica Oskar Barnack Award and multiple World Press Photo awards. His contributions were recognized further when he was made 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’s journey took a significant turn when he relocated to France in the wake of Brazil's military dictatorship in the late 1960s. A full obituary highlighting the profound impact of his work and legacy will be released soon.
