Sebastiao Salgado’s “Genesis”, displayed at the International Center of Photography, was the first exhibition that our group – Shahrouk and Justin – went to for our assignment. In “Genesis”, Salgado captured the raw power of nature in a series of black and white photographs. In a project that took 8 years, Salgado traveled to every corner of the world to photograph nature that was untouched and untarnished by man.
“Genesis” covered a variety of landscapes, from mountain ranges to tundras to deserts. From the photographs that were displayed, it was apparent to us that Salgado had gone to great lengths to accomplish his project. There were photographs across from a leopard, as well as at the edge of a lake filled with caymans. Salgado had placed himself in a great deal of danger for these shots, but in doing so, he had taken photographs that most people would never see in their lifetimes. Most of Salgado’s work comprised of his natural landscapes. These were taken at surrealistic angles and times. Many of these photographs, especially those of Brooks Range and Bryce Canyon, look mythical. They portray a powerful side of natural that is not observable in highly urbanized world.
Salgado’s exhibition also sends a clear environmental message. He shows us the beauty of nature when man does not encroach upon it with cities and skyscrapers. This sort of beauty has to be preserved before it vanishes forever from our world. “Genesis” not only shows us the beauty of the natural world around us, but also what we stand to lose should we not take appropriate action to safeguard it.
