Tag Archives: sebastiao

(February 8, 1944 – May 23, 2025)

Absolutely heartbroken to read of the death of Sebastião Salgado.

Such an immense inspiration to me that when I first discovered his Workers project as teenager, I would spend hours at a time, looking at the book. In time, looking became seeing and unknowingly, Salgado became a mentor, and more consciously, the main reason I realised photography should be my path.

I thought that if someone can make photographs like the ones from the Serra Pelada gold mine in Brazil, then the possabilities of what can be produced by a camera, is infinite.

I had the honour of meeting him and his wonderful wife Lélia several decades later, in 2013. When like an enthusiastic child I blurted out my story and admiration for his work. He was all that I had wished him to be from afar. A wonderful human being, compassionate, caring, enthusiastic, passionate and without any sense of pretentiousness. The sparkle in his eyes hinted at the immensity of the mind and soul. He spoke with me as if we were equal colleagues, bonded deeply through photography.

I hope my tears convey my deep love for your work and appreciation for you as a most wonderful human, dear Sebastião. Rest peacefully.