These are issues that Utahn’s understand and cherish—even take for granted. Salgado’s photographs bring us the stories of individuals, families and communities that sacrifice everything for the simplest of opportunities.

The power of Salgado’s images is in their ability to transcend traditional communication barriers. We do not need to speak Rwandan or Hindi, or Serbian or Portuguese to understand the conditions and experiences, the essential human needs that are laid bare in Salgado’s photographs. We discover that our shared humanity surpasses differences of race, nationality or religion, and that what we have in common far outweighs what keeps us apart.

Salgado’s point of view is compassionate and respectful. His art is entirely without self-indulgence. His images we trust and believe. He has been called “the world’s best photographer,” but for all his technical skills, he never lets his process become more important than what the picture is about. When we look at his photographs we never lose sight of our personal connections and responsibilities to humanity. Our hope is that bringing Exodus into our community will build and strengthen human connections in ways that motivate us to regard each other with more generosity and grace.

This is art we can all approach. More, it is art that we must approach.

Kent Miles
Exodus Exhibit Project Director
Center for Documentary Arts

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