Sebastiao Salgado Photo analysis

This classic biographical photo by Sebastiao Salgado is as stunning as every other work he produced.  Like his other photographs, it captures the real life of the workers, marginalized and little-known people without degrading them.  This photo—like those -- provides an invigorating breath of fresh air and makes the viewer appreciate a little appreciated world or way of life.  That alone makes It stunning, but of course, the photo itself is intriguing and certainly stands out.  Though, a giant ball of fire would do that.

Whether because it’s in focus, or the bright whiteness of the flame against the tones of black and grey our eye goes right to it.  The contrast of mixed colors inside of it—the blinding whiteness with the pockets of black shadow and grey smoke could possibly be another reason why it stands out the way it does. For whatever reason, the result is the same:  Just like a real fire would, the inferno immediately grabs out attention.  It also provides a nice contrast to the water and the worker, making them the next center of attention.

After the fire our eye lands on the water and follows it down to the worker, walking inside of  it. it’s almost like the worker is bringing the water-- this healing reviving substance-- to save and protect the land. The placement turns the worker into a sort of hero with good and life on his side who is battling against evil and destructive natural forces. It instantly establishes an antagonistic and contradictory nature of fire against water that makes the whole photo so compelling. It seems like a battle and we’re all eager to see which side wins; Fire or water?