Sebastião Salgado, the renowned Brazilian photographer and environmentalist, has passed away at the age of 81. His passing was confirmed on Friday by Instituto Terra, the organization co-founded by Salgado and his wife, Lélia Wanick Salgado, though no details regarding the circumstances of his death were disclosed.
Instituto Terra released a heartfelt tribute stating, “Sebastião was more than one of the best photographers of our time. His lens revealed the world and its contradictions; his life brought the power of transformative action.” Salgado’s dedication to photography began in 1973, shortly after he earned a degree in economics and moved to Paris, where he developed his artistic vision.
Over the years, Salgado became famous for his compelling black-and-white photography that captures both the beauty and struggles of humanity and the natural world. His landmark works include “Amazonia,” which focuses on the Amazon rainforest, “Workers,” showcasing labor across various cultures, and “Exodus,” which highlights the plight of refugees and displaced communities.
Salgado’s life and artistic journey were also depicted in the acclaimed documentary “The Salt of the Earth,” co-directed by Wim Wenders and his son Juliano Ribeiro Salgado.
His legacy is not only found in his powerful images but also in his environmental efforts through Instituto Terra, which aims to restore and rehabilitate Brazilian ecosystems. Salgado’s work continues to inspire current and future generations, emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation and social justice.