Sebastião Salgado: An Icon of Documentary Photography Passes Away at 81

Renowned Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado, known for his powerful black-and-white images depicting social issues and the natural world, has passed away at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy of profound visual narratives and environmental advocacy.

Sebastião Salgado, heralded as one of the most significant documentary photographers of our time, has died at the age of 81. Born in Brazil, Salgado was celebrated for his compelling black-and-white photographs that vividly chronicled human hardship, environmental challenges, and breathtaking landscapes across 130 countries throughout his remarkable 55-year career.

His poignant images captured critical global moments, including the Rwandan genocide in 1994, the aftermath of the Gulf War in 1991, and the desperate famine in the Sahel region of Africa in 1984. The Instituto Terra, an environmental organization he co-founded with his wife Lélia Wanick Salgado, issued a statement highlighting how his work revealed societal contradictions and the transformative power of photography.

The recipient of numerous accolades, including the Sony World Photography Award's Outstanding Contribution to Photography in 2024, Salgado's work particularly resonated in Brazil. His striking photographic narratives included epic depictions of thousands of individuals laboring in open-cast gold mines and rich portrayals of the indigenous tribes of the Amazon rainforest.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva paid tribute to Salgado, calling him “one of the best photographers the world has given us.” Salgado's most recent grand project, titled Amazônia, significantly spotlighted the rainforest's stunning beauty and delicate existence. His deep connection with the indigenous tribes of the Amazon led to a dedicated seven-year journey where he documented their daily lives, showcasing their rituals and interactions with nature through over 200 evocative images.

The Amazônia exhibit gained noteworthy attention, being displayed in well-known venues such as London's Science Museum and Manchester's Science and Industry Museum in 2021 and 2022. In past interviews, Salgado reflected on his extraordinary journey as a photographer, expressing disbelief at the extensive places he had traveled.

Transitioning from a career in economics to photography in 1973, Salgado established himself by taking on international assignments before founding his own agency, Amazonas Images, alongside Lélia in 1994. Over the years, he has received prestigious honors, including the Prince of Asturias Award and designation as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Through the Instituto Terra, the couple not only celebrated nature but also made impactful contributions to environmental restoration, including transforming Salgado's father’s former farm into lush rainforest by planting over three million trees. As the Institute noted, “Sebastião was much more than one of the greatest photographers of our time…he brought hope to desolation, embodying the belief that environmental restoration is a profound act of love for humanity.”