Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Amazon rainforest with Amazônia: Photographs by Sebastião Salgado, making its highly anticipated Asia-Pacific debut at the National Museum of Singapore. From 22 November 2024 to 2 March 2025, this extraordinary exhibition takes visitors through the breathtaking landscapes of one of the world’s most iconic ecosystems, captured through the lens of the legendary Brazilian photographer.
A decade after his first exhibition at the National Museum, Genesis (2014), Salgado returns with a new body of work that continues his dedication to environmental conservation. Amazônia serves as both an exploration and a call to action, highlighting the fragility and magnificence of the Amazon and its people.
A Majestic Visual Journey Through the Amazon
The exhibition features over 200 black-and-white photographs, accompanied by immersive slide projections that showcase the Amazon’s extraordinary landscapes, from its freshwater archipelagos to its “flying rivers.” The exhibition unfolds in two parts: one focuses on the natural wonders of the Amazon, while the other highlights the Indigenous communities that live in harmony with this lush ecosystem.
Visitors will marvel at Salgado’s captivating images, which include:
- Aerial Views: Stunning panoramas of waterfalls and storm-laden skies.
- Flying Rivers: An exploration of the unique Amazonian atmospheric phenomenon where water vapour from trees forms aerial rivers.
- Tropical Storms: Dramatic images of clouds looming over the rainforest.
- Mountains: Images of Brazil’s mist-covered peaks rising above the lower rainforest slopes.
- The Forest: A tribute to the dual nature of the forest, once feared, now revered as a natural treasure.
- Anavilhanas: Images of the 350 to 450 islands that form an archipelago in the Rio Negro.
The exhibition also delves into the lives of the Indigenous communities Salgado photographed, with over 100 striking images documenting their traditions, culture, and daily lives. Three traditional Indigenous homes, or ocas, are featured, creating an immersive space for visitors to connect with these communities.
A Sensory Experience Enhanced by Music and Sound
To deepen the experience, Amazônia includes an immersive soundscape by French composer Jean-Michel Jarre, enveloping visitors in the natural sounds of the Amazon—from the rustling trees to animal calls and the gushing of rivers. Additionally, projections accompanied by Brazilian composers Heitor Villa-Lobos and Rodolfo Stroeter bring the landscapes and portraits of Indigenous people to life.
Visitors will also encounter a dedicated section highlighting Instituto Terra, a reforestation organization founded by Sebastião Salgado, focusing on the ongoing efforts to restore the Amazon.
A Tactile Experience for All Visitors
The Amazônia Touch is a unique feature of the exhibition, designed specifically for blind and visually impaired visitors in collaboration with the Visio Foundation. This special tactile experience includes brass-plate photographs and acrylic resin panels, allowing everyone to engage with the artwork in a meaningful way.
Engage with Local Activations and Programs
In addition to the main exhibition, the museum will host Eco Sanctuary, an interactive space inspired by the Amazon rainforest. This immersive experience will engage visitors through multiple sensory stations, including:
- Touch and Feel: Interact with artworks inspired by the flora and fauna of the Amazon and Singapore’s local nature.
- Can You Hear Me?: Explore the sounds of Amazonian instruments, comparing them with those from Singapore.
- Scents and Sensibility: Immerse yourself in nature-inspired scents like rain, forest wood, and grass.
- Reflection Zone: Contribute to the conversation on conservation and sustainability, focusing on the protection of both the Amazon and Singapore’s natural environment.
The exhibition also features a series of complementary programs to deepen understanding of conservation. During the opening weekend, visitors can participate in live performances, craft activities, and exclusive workshops.
Ticket Information
Amazônia is a ticketed exhibition, with tickets priced at S$11 for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (adults). Due to the nature of the exhibition, which includes nudity and imagery of dead animals, visitor discretion is advised. For more details or to purchase tickets, visit National Museum of Singapore’s website.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness Sebastião Salgado’s powerful exploration of the Amazon and its people, and reflect on the vital importance of environmental preservation.
