Paris City Hall is paying tribute to the renowned Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado with a major, free exhibition running from today, February 21, until May 30, 2026. The exhibition, which opened today, showcases nearly 200 of Salgado’s powerful black and white photographs, offering a comprehensive look at his extraordinary career as a “witness to the human condition.”
A Legacy of Humanist Photography
Sebastião Salgado, who passed away on May 23, 2025, at the age of 81, was celebrated for his ability to capture the raw essence of humanity and the planet through his lens. His work, characterized by its stark black and white aesthetic, often depicted the struggles and resilience of people across the globe, as well as the breathtaking beauty of untouched landscapes.
Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, remarked in the exhibition’s presentation dossier, “Sebastião Salgado was one of the last great heirs of humanist photography. He maintained black and white as a mark of truth, of stripping away, just as he spent his entire life denouncing social and environmental injustices and exalting faith in humanity. Through his images, he told us about the wounds of the century.”
Curated by His Life Partner and Collaborator
The exhibition was conceived and curated by Salgado’s wife and longtime collaborator, Lélia Wanick Salgado. It features an exceptional loan of 114 prints from the Maison européenne de la photographie, an institution close to the photographer’s heart.
Iconic Works and Environmental Advocacy
Among the featured works are poignant images such as “The Kalema camp” (1985), taken in Ethiopia, which depicts refugees after a night’s march to escape the Ethiopian army’s machine guns. Also on display are photographs from the Serra Pelada gold mine in Brazil (1986), illustrating the grueling conditions of 50,000 workers in the world’s largest open-pit gold mine.
Brazilian President Lula once described Salgado as “a hunter of light in a world of darkness.” His powerful imagery continues to resonate, prompting reflection on social issues and the human spirit.
The exhibition also highlights the couple’s dedicated work on the Instituto Terra, a monumental reforestation project in the Minas Gerais region of Brazil. Lélia Wanick Salgado noted, “We have planted more than 3.5 million trees, restored local biodiversity, the flora and fauna of the Atlantic Forest.” This initiative serves as a tangible example that it is not utopian to believe in the possibility of saving our planet.
A Deep Connection to Paris
Despite his extensive global travels for projects like “Genesis,” Sebastião Salgado held a special affection for Paris. He settled in the city in 1969 after fleeing the Brazilian dictatorship and captured magnificent images of the capital through all seasons. His work even adorned the city’s year-end greeting card in 2024, including a notable shot of La Petite Ceinture.
A Family Legacy: Rodrigo Salgado’s Art
The exhibition also dedicates a significant section to Rodrigo Salgado, Sebastião’s son, who has Down syndrome and has been painting daily since childhood. Lélia Wanick Salgado shared, “He has always been an artist and, over time, he has built up a unique body of work.” In May 2025, sixteen stained-glass windows created from his works were installed in the former church of Sacré-Cœur in Reims. His paintings, initially vibrant with color, evolved to a darker stage as his abilities diminished, showcasing the profound artistic journey of the Salgado family.
