Dear Shaded Viewers,
Rodrigo Salgado is the son of Lélia Wanick Salgado and the renowned photographer Sebastião Salgado, who sadly passed away on May 23. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Born with Down syndrome, Rodrigo found in painting a profound and instinctive means of expression from a very early age. Since childhood, he has painted with remarkable dedication.
© Lélia Wanick Salgado
© Sebastião Salgado
Now 45 years old, Rodrigo has developed over the decades a rich, sensitive, and singular body of work. For the very first time, a selection of his creations will be presented to the public in an exceptional exhibition at the former Église du Sacré-Cœur in Reims, now desacralized.
The exhibition will feature eighty paintings, sixteen stained-glass pieces, and several sculptures. It offers a rare glimpse into Rodrigo’s world—imbued with passion, perseverance, and artistic freedom.
Rodrigo has painted since childhood. As his mother, Lélia Wanick Salgado, recalls: “At 5 a.m., he’s already sitting at his easel, sometimes he even wakes up during the night to paint. It has always been this way. He began using many layers of paint, often finishing with black. Over time, he adapted to his new condition. Today, he no longer draws as he once did, but his works remain just as powerful and compelling.”
This exhibition is both a tribute to his journey and a celebration of the power of creation beyond difference.
Visit the Exhibition
Location
Former Église du Sacré-Cœur
48 Rue Ernest Renan, 51100 Reims, France
More information: www.ateliersimonmarq.com
Yours digitally,
Pedro Guez
