Setting the Stage

In 1993, Sebastião Salgado began a project of photographic investigation, which would last six years and span over 40 countries, to show the great saga of the reorganization of the human family at the end of this century. It is a story about millions of people who have broken off from the traditional stability of rooted communities, to journey toward new destinies.

According to Salgado, the purpose of this project is to “show this phenomenon, its dimensions and diversity and origins… To speak out for the displaced persons and for the ones who know and can receive them, also to show the dignity in their willingness to integrate, to show their courage and entrepreneurial spirit and, not least, to demonstrate how they enrich us with their difference. Above all, by using migration as an example, to show that a true human family can only be built on foundations of solidarity and sharing.”

Exodus, the title of the book from which the exhibit was derived, is one of the largest and most important photography exhibits ever to come to the Intermountain Region. Since its debut, it has traveled to galleries throughout the world, including Maison Européenne de la Photographie in Paris, Scuderie Papali al Quirinale in Rome, and United Nations Hall and International Center of Photography in New York City. Over three million people are estimated to have seen Exodus to date.

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