I have been photographing the portrait of an end of an era, as machines and computers replace human workers. What we have in these pictures is an archeology.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the transformation of society as technology replaces human labor.
Sebastiao Salgado's quote speaks to the significant changes in the workforce and society caused by the advent of machines and computers. His reference to 'photographing the portrait of an end of an era' suggests a deep loss and the need to document the past before it vanishes, highlighting the human stories and experiences that are often overlooked as technology advances. Through his work, Salgado captures not only the physical changes but also the emotional and social ramifications of this technological shift, hinting at an archaeology of human labor and the importance of remembering our history amidst change.
In practice
During a speech on the impact of technology on employment, one might use this quote to illustrate the shift in labor dynamics.
I have a way to photograph. You work with space, you have a camera, you have a frame, and then a fraction of a second. It's very instinctive. What you do is a fraction of a second, it's there and it's not there. But in this fraction of a second comes your past, comes your future, comes your relation with people, comes your ideology, comes your hate, comes your love - all together in this fraction of a second, it materializes there.
As in any person's life, there have been difficult moments: I have a son with Down's syndrome; through my photography, I have witnessed all manner of human degradation. But there have also been very happy moments.
There are moments that you suffer a lot, moments you won't photograph. There are some people you like better than others. But you give, you receive, you cherish, you are there. When you are really there, you know when you see the picture later what you are seeing.
So many times I've photographed stories that show the degradation of the planet. I had one idea to go and photograph the factories that were polluting, and to see all the deposits of garbage. But, in the end, I thought the only way to give us an incentive, to bring hope, is to show the pictures of the pristine planet - to see the innocence.
In the end, the only heritage we have is our planet, and I have decided to go to the most pristine places on the planet and photograph them in the most honest way I know, with my point of view, and of course it is in black and white, because it is the only thing I know how to do.
My way of photographing is my way of life. I photograph from my experience, my way of seeing things.
From New Year's on the outlook brightens; good humor lost in a mood of failure returns. I resolve to stop complaining.
If we are going to realise our ambition of ending the harmful practices of FGM and forced marriage, the role of young people in pushing for change is crucial. We also need to ensure that everyone, from government to civil society, is playing their part.
To build may have to be the slow and laborious task of years. To destroy can be the thoughtless act of a single day.
Yet the summer which was to change everything was coming nearer every day. When boys and girls are growing up, life can't stand still, not even in the quietest of country towns; and they have to grow up, whether they will or no. That is what their elders are always forgetting.
We have no choice but to reform this country.
In saying no to progress, it is not the future which they condemn, but themselves. They give themselves a melancholy disease; they inoculate themselves with the past. There is but one way of refusing tomorrow, that is to die.
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