Sebastião salgado, the celebrated Brazilian photographer, has dedicated his life to documenting the human condition and the planet’s natural beauty. His work, spanning decades, confronts viewers with stark realities while concurrently revealing the resilience of the human spirit and the Earth’s inherent splendor. At 81, Salgado’s legacy continues to grow, inspiring both awe and action.

Salgado’s photographs have consistently addressed critical themes, including social inequalities, the living conditions of the poor, migration, work, beauty and fragility of our planet. His unflinching gaze captures the essence of these subjects, prompting reflection and, often, a call to action.

Instituto terra: A commitment to Reforestation

Beyond his photographic endeavors, Salgado, alongside his wife Lélia, embarked on a remarkable conservation project: Instituto Terra. This initiative is dedicated to the reforestation and conservation of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The scale of their achievement is notable.

This project has contributed to restoring thousands of hectares of degraded land in the Salgado birth region. What began as a personal commitment has blossomed into a large-scale ecological restoration, demonstrating the power of individual action to effect meaningful change.

“The Salt of the Earth”: A Cinematic Portrait

In 2014, Salgado’s life and work were immortalized in the documentary “The Salt of the Earth” (“Il Sale della Terra”). Directed by Wim Wenders and Juliano Ribeiro Salgado, the photographer’s son, the film offers an intimate glimpse into his journey.

“For me,the only way to render the human condition,the only way to render humanity,is to render it in all of its horror.”

Sebastião Salgado, “The Salt of the Earth”

Amazonia: A Black and White Ode to the Green Heart

Salgado’s latest and perhaps most ambitious project focuses on the Amazon rainforest. He accompanies us inside the green heart of our planet, restoring a powerful and moving vision of the Amazon in black and white. This exhibition, currently on display in Brussels until November, offers a stark and stunning portrayal of this vital ecosystem.

The Amazon project underscores Salgado’s commitment to documenting both the beauty and the fragility of our world. His black and white images capture the intricate details of the rainforest, highlighting its importance to the planet’s ecological balance.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of Salgado’s work, additional facts can be found on our site.