Salgado Balanced Between Criticism and Activism
Photographer and cultural producer Cyro Almeida reflects on the profound influence of fellow Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado, whose works have stretches beyond the realms of photography, art, and journalism. Almeida recalls his first encounter with Salgado's work in a psychology of work class at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in 2007, and how it sparked his interest in photography.
Salgado's iconic series, Workers, created at the turn of the decade from the 80s to the 90s, impacted Almeida and his classmates, who were future psychologists, by introducing them to the idea of human dignity amidst material scarcity and adversity. The technical refinement and black-and-white plasticity of Salgado's analog prints have received mixed reviews from art intellectuals, with some critics arguing that they dampen the indignation his photographs should evoke.
Critiques of Salgado's work often revolve around the notion that depicting precariousness and vulnerability inherently constitutes denunciation. However, Almeida argues that this perspective overlooks the rarely discussed aspects of human experience that Salgado's photographs encompass, such as irreverent humor, popular leisure, and libido.
Salgado, who left his career as an economist to travel the world documenting vulnerable populations, has been both praised and criticized throughout his career. He is lauded for elevating marginalized voices, commitments to long-term projects, and contributions to environmental restoration projects alongside his wife, Leila Wanick Salgado.
Salgado, who died on Friday, May 23, in Paris due to complications from malaria, leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond photography, transcending the boundaries of public debate, society, and knowledge. His work compels viewers to confront the realities of exploitation, displacement, and degradation while recognizing the resilience and agency of those affected. His influential style sets new standards for documentary photography and photojournalism, pushing the genre towards more socially conscious visual storytelling. Almeida acknowledges that Salgado's work has opened up possibilities for image-makers like him to tackle issues of alterity through photography.
Almeida has received notable awards in the field, including the Funarte Marc Ferrez Photography Award and Pictures of the Year Latin America (POY Latam) awards.
- Almeida, inspired by Salgado's work, discovered a passion for exploring the intricate intersection of finance, business, and careers, aiming to shine a light on often overlooked aspects of lifestyle, such as humor, leisure, and personal struggles, in his own photographic narrative.
- Salgado's legacy transcends the realm of photography, influencing not only artistic expression but also societal discourse, career path choices, and the way people perceive and engage with issues related to human dignity, work conditions, and environmental concerns.
