Born in 1944 in Minas Gerais, Salgado revolutionized photojournalism by combining powerful aesthetics with a strong emotional burden
The acclaimed Brazilian photographer, died at the age of 81, this Friday (23) leaving a remarkable legacy in documentary photography. His work, widely recognized for his black and white images, addressed social issues and the life of marginalized communities. Projects such as “Earth”, “Exodos” and “Amazon” reflect their profound involvement with social and environmental causes, highlighting their artistic sensitivity. Born in 1944 in Salgado revolutionized photojournalism by combining powerful aesthetics with a strong emotional burden. He excelled in renowned agencies and was a member of the prestigious Magnum Photos. His career began to gain prominence with the book “Other Americas”, released in 1986, which portrayed the reality of peasants and indigenous people in Latin America.
In 1998, along with his wife Lélia, he founded the Terra Institute, an initiative aimed at recovering the Atlantic Forest. Since its inception, the institute has planted more than 2 million trees and revitalized springs in the Rio Doce Basin, contributing significantly to environmental preservation. In 2024, one of his photographs was selected by the New York Times as one of 25 images that define the modern era. Salgado’s health has faced challenges over the years, including a rare form of malaria contracted in 2010, which culminated in complications and later severe leukemia.
Despite the adversities, his work continued to inspire and impact people around the world. He was married 61 years ago and had two children, Juliano and Rodrigo, who also dedicated themselves to preserving their legacy. Juliano, one of the sons of Salgado, directed the documentary “The Salt of the Earth”, which explores the life and work of his father, bringing to light the importance of his contribution to photography and social awareness.
Posted by Sarah Paula
*Report produced with the aid of AI
