Sebastião Salgado has left us

What a great sadness... Sebastião Salgado has left us.

A major figure in humanist photography has passed away, leaving behind an invaluable artistic legacy.

Muriel Pénicaud had the privilege of meeting this great photographer, a committed humanist, in his studio, with his wife Lélia, who has been present at every stage of his life and work. She was deeply touched by his gaze, his torn yet luminous sensitivity, and by the encouragement he gave her regarding her photographic work. When she was feeling doubtful, he told her, "You are a great photographer." His kindness gave her wings.

His work and philosophy have always been a source of inspiration. Sebastião Salgado said:

"Photography goes far beyond simply taking pictures. It's a way of life. What you feel and want to express reflects your ideology and ethics. It's a language that takes you through history."

From Rwanda to Bangladesh, his black-and-white photographs have revealed the tragedies of the world with rare humanity, while preserving the unyielding dignity of his subjects.

Sebastião Salgado is leaving us, but his work and generosity will continue to inspire future generations.

Lélia Wanick Salgado, Sebastião Salgado, and Muriel Pénicaud