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EXODUS

Exodus: A Journey into the Human Soul through the Lens of Sebastião Salgado

Biography of a Master Photographer

Sebastião Salgado, born in Brazil in 1944, is a world-renowned documentary photographer. After studying economics, Salgado began dedicating himself to photography in the 1970s, working for agencies such as Magnum Photos and Gamma. His unmistakable style, characterized by deep black and white tones and impeccable composition, has made his works globally recognizable.

Magnum Photos: A Legendary Photography Agency

Magnum Photos is a cooperative photography agency founded in 1947 by four legendary photographers: Robert Capa, Henri Cartier-Bresson, George Rodger, and David “Chim” Seymour. The agency was created with the aim of allowing photographers to work independently, maintaining creative control and rights over their own works. Over the years, Magnum Photos has become a reference point for photojournalism and documentary photography, representing some of the biggest names in world photography.

Exodus: An Epic Project

“Exodus” is the result of a six-year-long work, during which Salgado traveled to over 40 countries to document mass migrations caused by wars, famines, and natural disasters. The book, published by Taschen, collects a selection of 300 black and white photographs, accompanied by texts by Lélia Wanick Salgado that contextualize the images and tell the stories of the subjects portrayed.

The “Exodus – Humanity in Motion” Exhibition at MAR in Ravenna

From March 22 to June 2, 2024, on the occasion of the Festival of Cultures, the MAR – Museum of Art of the City of Ravenna hosts “Exodus – Humanity in Motion”, an exhibition curated by Lélia Wanick Salgado dedicated to the great Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado. The exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in Salgado’s work and to purchase the photographic book “Exodus”, a precious edition for collectors and photography enthusiasts.

Expressive Techniques and References to the Great Masters of the Past

Salgado’s style recalls that of great photographers of the past such as Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier-Bresson, but with a unique sensitivity in capturing human suffering and resilience. His images, always in black and white, are characterized by an incredible attention to composition and light, creating a powerful and timeless aesthetic.

Documentary Photography: Challenges and Importance

Documentary photography plays a crucial role in bringing to light stories and realities often ignored by mainstream media. However, photographers who dedicate themselves to this genre must face numerous challenges, such as limited access to conflict zones, risks to their own safety, and difficulties in finding funding and distribution channels for their work. Despite these difficulties, photographers like Salgado continue to persevere, aware of the importance of witnessing and sharing these stories with the world.

The Human Tragedies Recounted in Exodus

The book addresses various human tragedies, such as the war in Rwanda, the famine in Ethiopia, and the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia. For each situation, Salgado explores the causes and consequences, highlighting the responsibilities of the great powers and the importance of material resources in these conflicts.

The War in Rwanda

Salgado documents the Rwandan genocide of 1994, in which over 800,000 people were killed in just 100 days. The deep-rooted causes of the conflict lie in the ethnic tensions between Hutus and Tutsis, exacerbated by colonial policies and the struggle for power. The international community, particularly the United Nations, has been criticized for its inaction during the genocide. The consequences have been devastating, with millions of refugees and a country in ruins.

The Famine in Ethiopia and the “We Are the World” Initiative

In Ethiopia, Salgado captures the suffering caused by the famine of the 1980s, which led to the death of over a million people. The causes of the famine are to be found in the combination of climatic factors, such as drought, and political factors, such as civil conflicts and inadequate government policies. The late response of the international community aggravated the crisis.

In this context, singer Harry Belafonte played a crucial role in mobilizing support for the cause. In 1985, Belafonte launched the “We Are the World” initiative, involving 45 world-famous artists, including Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, and Bruce Springsteen, in the recording of a charity song. Some artists, such as Prince and Madonna, refused to participate. The single raised over $60 million, destined for food aid and development projects in Ethiopia and other African countries affected by famine.

Belafonte’s commitment was recently celebrated during the closing evening of the “Pazzi di Jazz” event in Ravenna (Italy), where students from local schools paid homage to the artist with a musical performance. This event underlines the importance of involving young people in social and humanitarian issues through art and music.

The Conflicts in the Former Yugoslavia

Salgado also documents the wars that led to the dissolution of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, with particular attention to the ethnic cleansing in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The causes of the conflicts are complex, including ethnic tensions, emerging nationalisms, and the struggle for power in the vacuum left by the fall of communism. The international community, despite intervening with peacekeeping operations, failed to prevent the atrocities. The consequences have been devastating, with thousands of deaths, millions of displaced people, and a region marked by wounds that struggle to heal.

A Reflection on Immigrants in Europe

Although “Exodus” does not directly address the issue of immigrants in Europe, the stories told by Salgado offer a starting point for reflection on this topic. Many of the migrants seeking refuge in the European continent are fleeing from situations similar to those documented in the book: wars, persecutions, poverty. Salgado’s images remind us of the universality of human suffering and the importance of welcoming and protecting those who flee from desperate circumstances.

The Material World: A Recurring Theme

In “Exodus”,

Salgado often highlights the role of material resources in conflicts and mass migrations. This theme recalls the book “The Material World”, which we will review in detail in the future, emphasizing the interconnection between struggles for resources and human tragedies.

The Edition of the Photographic Book

The edition of “Exodus” curated by Feltrinelli is a work of art in itself. The print quality of the photographs is exceptional, doing justice to Salgado’s work. The book is accompanied by curated texts that offer historical and human context to the images, enriching the reader’s experience.

The Commitment of Young Students from Ravenna

During last night’s event at MAR, middle school students from Ravenna performed, demonstrating their commitment to music despite the difficulties faced in recent years. These kids began their musical journey during the Covid-19 pandemic, suffered the consequences of the flood, and saw their rehearsal room damaged by a fire. However, thanks to the dedication of their teachers and their passion for music, they never stopped playing and growing as musicians and as people. Their participation in events like this underlines the importance of art and culture in overcoming adversity and raising awareness among new generations on crucial social issues.

Conclusions

Sebastião Salgado’s “Exodus” is a monumental work that bears witness to some of the greatest human tragedies of our time. Through his lens, Salgado invites us to reflect on the root causes of these events, on our collective responsibility in preventing them, and on the importance of welcoming and protecting those who flee from desperate situations.

Salgado’s work is part of a broader context of artistic and cultural initiatives aimed at raising public awareness of humanitarian issues. The tribute paid to Harry Belafonte during the “Pazzi di Jazz” event in Ravenna, with the participation of students from local schools, demonstrates how music and art can involve younger generations in important social causes.

In an increasingly interconnected world, where humanitarian crises multiply and worsen, the work of photographers like Sebastião Salgado and the commitment of artists like Harry Belafonte become increasingly valuable. Through their works and initiatives, they remind us of our shared humanity and the need to act to build a more just and caring world.

For those who wish to delve deeper into the issues addressed in “Exodus” and contribute to improving the lives of people affected by wars, famines, and natural disasters, we recommend visiting the websites of some of the leading international humanitarian organizations:

These organizations offer detailed information on ongoing humanitarian crises and ways to support them through donations or volunteering.

In conclusion, Sebastião Salgado’s “Exodus” is a powerful and necessary book that sheds light on the human tragedies of our time and urges us to act for positive change. Its presence in the library of every aware individual is a step towards a greater understanding of the world we live in and a deeper commitment to social justice and human solidarity.

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