SEBASTIAO SALGADO
THE CHILDREN OF EXODUS
29.11.2005–12.02.2006
Sebastiao Salgado, a Brazlian by birth, is acknowledged as one of the most important photographers of our time and one of the last great ambassadors of humanism in photo-journalism. His work is documented in countless photo books, films and international exhibition catalogues and has been awarded a whole series of prizes (including the Leica Oskar Barnack Award). The Children of Exodus – presented by WestLicht as the Leica partner gallery in Vienna – is Salgado’s first big solo exhibition in Austria.The show will be presented under the patronance of UNICEF Austria and UNHCR.With his strongly expressive black and white pictures Sebastiao Salgado has been talking of people who have been forgotten or driven out for many years. For his projects the photographer usually works together with international organisations and NGOs such as UNICEF, UNHCR, Doctors without Borders, Amnesty International and Caritas and since 2001 is himself a UNICEF ambassador.The images from the series Migrations/Exodus were taken in 39 countries between 1993 and 1999 and document the fate of refugees, migrants, the landless and immigrants. They capture the tragic and heroic moments in the lives of individuals and reflect in an impressive manner the unbroken dignity of the people.In 90 pictures The Children of Exodus shows young people in refugee and reception camps in Latin America, Africa, Asia and Europe – these are portraits that tell stories.Two days before the opening of the exhibition Salgado’s legendary (3 millionth) Leica M7 will be auctioned at the 8th WestLicht Photographica Auction for the benefit of his foundation for the protection of the rainforest. The star photographer will hand over the camera to the highest bidder personally and will also be present for the opening of his exhibition.
Curator of the show is Lélia Wanick Salgado.
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