Born in Aimorés, Brazil, Sebastião Salgado initially pursued a career in economics before turning to photography in the early 1970s. He gained international acclaim for his long-term, self-assigned projects that document the human condition and the environmental state of the planet.

Salgado is best known for his monumental series such as Workers, Exodus, and Genesis, which utilize dramatic lighting and composition to highlight social and environmental issues. His work is characterized by a commitment to deep, immersive storytelling that often spans several years of travel and observation.

His influence remains significant in the contemporary art market, with major auction houses continuing to feature his masterworks. Recent exhibitions and sales, such as the 2026 collection offered by Phillips, underscore his enduring legacy and the continued demand for his photographic documentation of global history.