PHOTOGRAPHY APPRECIATION AWARD
James “Jimmy” Philip Nelson | Netherlands
Jimmy Nelson was born in Sevenoaks, England (1967). Due to his father’s work as a geologist, he traveled extensively in remote parts of Africa, the Americas, where he formed lasting bonds with indigenous communities. However, his idyllic childhood was disrupted when he attended a British boarding school, leading to feelings of isolation and trauma.
When he was seventeen, Jimmy faced a significant turning point when he developed Alopecia Totalis, an autoimmune condition that left him completely hairless. This experience deepened his emotional scars and made him feel vulnerable and disconnected. In search of meaning, he journeyed to Tibet with a Zenit B camera, a gift from his father. What started as an escape turned into a transformative journey of discovery through photography, finding solace and allowing him to reconnect with the kindness of humanity he had lost faith in. Through the lens, he began to see people as reflections of the generosity and warmth he longed for.
Photography became his means of depicting the beauty and resilience of human beings, restoring his faith in humanity. Over the years, Jimmy has travelled to some of the most remote corners of the planet, documenting diverse cultures with respect and admiration. His work emphasises the beauty, diversity, and authenticity of human experiences. With meticulous attention to detail, Nelson’s images are shaped by a pursuit of harmony in composition, colour, and natural light.
Since his first internationally recognised photographs of Tibet nearly 30 years ago, Jimmy has published several important photography books, including Before They Pass Away (2013) and Homage to Humanity (2018). Over the years, he has visited countless indigenous communities around the world, fostering reciprocal projects through the Jimmy Nelson Foundation. In 2022, he released Between the Sea and the Sky, which pays homage to the traditional cultures of the Netherlands, his adopted homeland.
Currently, Jimmy is working on a new project in Central Asia and the Middle East, focusing on celebrating the rich, yet often overlooked, cultural heritages. This project aims to fill a gap in his legacy, titled The Canvas of Humanity – a living tapestry of stories dedicated to promoting global unity worldwide. Through this exploration, he continues his mission to honour the diverse cultures that shape our world.
Jimmy Nelson’s art is showcased in galleries, museums, and private collections worldwide, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the diversity for human cultures and bridging gaps between them.
