A Lifetime of Activism

Claudia Andujar has long been considered one of the most important representatives of South American photography, as well as a role model for artists who use their voice to highlight social injustices.  

Born in Switzerland in 1931, Andujar spent part of her childhood in Hungary, before emigrating to Brazil to escape the National Socialist Regime. She embarked on a career in photojournalism, taking an active stand against the dictatorship and violence in her adopted home country. From the early 1970s onwards, she focused her lens on the Yanomami, one of the last indigenous groups in the North-Brazilian Amazon: documenting not only their daily lives, but also the challenges they faced as a result of mining, land grabbing and disease. 

In addition to her work as a photographer – which has yielded more than 60,000 images – Andujar served as a vocal advocate for the Yanomami people, becoming part of their community and drawing international attention to their plight. 

Claudia Andujar’s photographs have been exhibited in renowned museums and galleries worldwide. She has also been honoured with numerous awards for her artistic and social achievements.

The End of the World is on view at the Phoxxi – the temporary exhibition space of Hamburg’s Haus der Photographie – until 11 August 2024.