Sebastião Salgado, an iconic Brazilian photographer known for his evocative imagery of life in the Amazon and striking portrayals of social issues, has passed away at the age of 81. His death was reported by Instituto Terra, the environmental organization he co-founded with his wife. While specific details regarding his passing were not disclosed, family members noted that Salgado struggled with health issues after recovering from malaria.
Recognized for more than just his artistic proficiency, Salgado’s work represented the stark realities of the world through his lens. Instituto Terra honored him on social media, stating, “In his images, he unveiled the world's complexities; in his life, he showcased the power of action for change.”
Salgado was celebrated for his black-and-white photography that captured the essence of the Amazon and its inhabitants, as well as impoverished communities both within Brazil and globally. Some of his most iconic works were from 1986, where he documented gold miners in Pará, Brazil.
Throughout his illustrious career, Salgado received numerous prestigious awards, including the Leica Oskar Barnack Award and multiple World Press Photo accolades. He was also honored as an honorary member of both the Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1992 and the French Academy of Fine Arts in 2016.
Born on February 8, 1944, in Aimorés, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Salgado fled to France following the onset of a military dictatorship in the late 1960s. A detailed obituary reflecting on his life and contributions is forthcoming.
Recognized for more than just his artistic proficiency, Salgado’s work represented the stark realities of the world through his lens. Instituto Terra honored him on social media, stating, “In his images, he unveiled the world's complexities; in his life, he showcased the power of action for change.”
Salgado was celebrated for his black-and-white photography that captured the essence of the Amazon and its inhabitants, as well as impoverished communities both within Brazil and globally. Some of his most iconic works were from 1986, where he documented gold miners in Pará, Brazil.
Throughout his illustrious career, Salgado received numerous prestigious awards, including the Leica Oskar Barnack Award and multiple World Press Photo accolades. He was also honored as an honorary member of both the Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1992 and the French Academy of Fine Arts in 2016.
Born on February 8, 1944, in Aimorés, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Salgado fled to France following the onset of a military dictatorship in the late 1960s. A detailed obituary reflecting on his life and contributions is forthcoming.
