Last chance to see photography legend Sebastião Salgado’s Amazônia exhibition

Amazônia presents Salgado’s view of the indigenous people in the Amazon and dramatic panoramas of this incredible region through over 200 black and white images
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If you’re wanting to catch Brazilian photography legend Sebastião Salgado’s Amazônia exhibition at the Science Museum, you’d better go quickly as it’s due to close next month.

Amazônia presents Salgado’s view of the indigenous people in the Amazon and dramatic panoramas of this incredible region through over 200 black and white images.

Sebastiao Salgado opening his exhibition at the Science Museum. Credit: Lynn RuskSebastiao Salgado opening his exhibition at the Science Museum. Credit: Lynn Rusk
Sebastiao Salgado opening his exhibition at the Science Museum. Credit: Lynn Rusk
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Salgado worked in the Amazon for seven years with twelve different indigenous communities to create this new photography project.

The exhibition includes images of lush rainforests taken from river boats and sweeping aerial shots of immense waterfalls and stormy skies to portraits of the diverse indigenous communities living in the Amazon.

Curated and designed by Lélia Wanick Salgado, Amazônia is not just focused on sharing the beauty of the region’s flora and fauna but also gives an insight into the impact of deforestation and environmental damage on the communities that call the Amazon home.

Sebastião Salgado’s Amazônia exhibition at the Science MuseumSebastião Salgado’s Amazônia exhibition at the Science Museum
Sebastião Salgado’s Amazônia exhibition at the Science Museum

“I hope people who come to see this exhibition leave with a true idea of Amazônia and the dangers this part of the world is facing now,” Mrs Salgado told LondonWorld.

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“In order to protect the region and its indigenous people, everyone needs to stop buying products from the Amazon, stop buying soybeans as it is causing deforestation.

“People need to learn more about Amazônia and how we can protect it.”

The Salgados are also committed to protecting the “other Brazilian rainforest”, the Mata Atlantica through the work of Instituto Terra.

Instituto Terra was founded by the couple in 1998 on degraded land previously farmed by the family.

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Over twenty years, they have slowly regrown part of the Atlantic Forest.

Sebastião Salgado’s Amazônia exhibition at the Science MuseumSebastião Salgado’s Amazônia exhibition at the Science Museum
Sebastião Salgado’s Amazônia exhibition at the Science Museum

Sebastião Salgado, said: “As a Brazilian, the Amazon with its incredible colours, rich textures and awe-inspiring vistas has always held a special place in my heart.

“Over the course of seven years travelling through the region I witnessed first-hand the damage over-consumption has had on its landscapes and people.

“I hope visitors to Amazônia will feel inspired by its beauty but also understand the urgent need for action to prevent this unique biodiversity being lost.”

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Sir Ian Blatchford, Science Museum Group Director, said: ‘Amazônia is both beautiful and urgent.

Climate change is the greatest challenge facing humanity and through hundreds of compelling black and white photographs Salgado highlights the Amazon’s unique biodiversity, immense landscapes, and the lives of indigenous peoples living in unison with nature.”

Amazônia is part of an international exhibition tour that began at the Philharmonie in Paris and includes the MAXXI in Rome, SESC in Sao Paulo and the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro.

Amazônia will also close at the Science Museum on March 20 before moving onto Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum in May 2022.