Claudia Andujar is a renowned Brazilian photographer known for her work advocating for the rights of the indigenous Yanomami people in the Amazon rainforest. Born in Switzerland in 1931, Andujar moved to Brazil in the 1950s and began her career as a photographer. She became deeply involved with the Yanomami community in the 1970s, documenting their lives and struggles against encroaching civilization, particularly during the construction of the Trans-Amazonian Highway.
Andujar’s photography is not just about documenting the Yanomami culture but also about activism and preservation. She has used her images to raise awareness about the threats faced by indigenous communities due to deforestation, mining, and disease. Her work often focuses on the spiritual and cultural aspects of the Yanomami people, highlighting their deep connection to the natural world.
In addition to her photography, Andujar has been involved in various advocacy efforts on behalf of the Yanomami, including campaigns to protect their land rights and preserve their culture. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the Hasselblad Foundation International Award in Photography in 2020, which recognized her significant contributions to the field of photography and her dedication to social justice issues.
Public Collections
Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA), Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo, Museu Afro Brasil Emanoel Araujo, Museu de Arte de São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand (MASP), Museu de Belas Artes, Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín (MAMM), Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA),TATE Modern, Maison Européenne de la Photographie, Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain, Museum für Moderne Kunst (MMK), Stedelijk Museum, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía and Instituto Inhotim.
