“..should not be forgotten and must not be repeated..”

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Aug 29

Humanity means the ability to empathize, understand, and respect the dignity and value of every person, regardless of their background, beliefs, or life situation. It is also the ability to recognize the common good and solidarity, even in the face of difficult and painful experiences, and to act in a way that honors these values.

James Nachtwey and Sebastião Salgado

are two outstanding representatives of humanistic photography, who through their work have brought closer to their audience places afflicted by war, injustice, exploitation, and poverty. Though they differ in style and approach, they share a common goal: to move the hearts and minds of people around the world, regardless of their background or language.

James Nachtwey, an American photojournalist, is known for documenting the most brutal armed conflicts, humanitarian disasters, and social crises. His photographs, often depicting moments of extreme suffering, aim not only to inform but also to evoke empathy and reflection. Nachtwey believes that his photographs can convey truth in a way that words cannot, reaching the hearts of people worldwide. His motto, “The events he has recorded should not be forgotten and must not be repeated,” perfectly captures the motivation behind his work.

On the other hand, Sebastião Salgado, a Brazilian photographer, focuses on portraying the lives of people in difficult conditions, often in forgotten corners of the world. His works, such as the cycles "Workers" and "Genesis," depict not only hard work and harsh conditions but also the dignity and beauty of human life. Like Nachtwey, Salgado uses the universal language of photography to convey his message of shared humanity and the need for justice. Their work clearly demonstrates the truth of the statement (Bruno Barbey’s quote) :

“Photography is the only language that can be understood anywhere in the world.”

Both photographers, through their unique approaches, prove that photography is indeed a language that can be understood everywhere in the world. Their work not only documents reality—by combining empathy and humanism, it evokes one of the fundamental, yet often forgotten human traits: compassion.

Photos: James Nachtwey (first row), Sebastian Salgado (second row)