The exhibition, from which this catalogue has been produced, has been specially conceived with the MEP (Maison Européenne de la Photographie) and will give the public an insight into the richness and diversity of Sebastião Salgado’s images. Since the 1970s, his black and white images have won him an international following. The MEP has the largest collection in Europe devoted to Sebastião Salgado, with no fewer than 350 prints to date. The exhibition, which brings together around 150 photographs, will focus on three major series that have marked his work over the last 30 years. Salgado’s photographs bear powerful witness to the tragedies of humanity: wars, famines, migrations, refugee camps and the economic transformations that are shaking up our times.

This exhibition and its catalogue also provide an opportunity to present almost 75 previously unpublished prints, which will enable the public to learn more about the photographer’s work. These photographs come from an exceptional donation made by Lélia and Sebastião Salgado to the MEP in 2018.