NELSON, Jimmy - Before they pass away

Statement by the photographer, Jimmy NELSON

"I take pictures. I make images. Unlike film, which overwhelms you with movement and sound, defining the ongoing moment, a photograph just sits there quietly while you decide what it is saying. I strongly believe that artists must always be part of a conversation, and share provocative ideas. My idea is that of aesthetic and empowerment for a better world. I hope that with my work, remote, indigenous people (in many cases without a global perspective) get a better sense of their uniqueness and importance in the world we all live in, which will support them to be more resilient to the pressures around them. This personal artistic documentation is a way of re-igniting the fire and pride within and for indigenous people, of creating mutual respect for all people, and of empowering future generations all over the world to illuminate their cultural heritage." (© Jimmy NELSON)

Background information

"In his epochalic picture book 'Before They Pass Away', Jimmy NELSON captures the way of life of the last remaining peoples who are able to maintain their traditional customs in a globalized world. The British photographer's epic portraits show these dignified heirs of centuries-old traditions in a proud way Spirit and in all its splendor This all-round view of the tribal cultures of the world is a unique visual experience and above all an important historical document.

Content

The photo volume 'Before They Pass Away' by Jimmy NELSON shows the whole range of human experiences and the cultural characteristics over the centuries - and we are overjoyed to be able to present it in our autumn program. This historically significant volume focuses on tribal cultures from all over the world. Especially in times of globalization, these societies cannot be overestimated because of their characteristic ways of life, arts and traditions. Its members live in harmony with nature, which has become a rarity in our modern age. Jimmy NELSON not only presents us with breathtaking images of customs and artefacts, but also with sensitive portraits of people who have become guardians of a culture that they - and we - hope that they will pass on to future generations in all their splendor becomes. With his large format camera on the floor, Jimmy NELSON captures every detail and tiny nuance for posterity and presents numerous scenes of this magnificent spectacle in front of the living backgrounds of untouched landscapes of our planet." (© teNeues, 2013)

Additional information

The large-format edition of the photo book 'Before They Pass Away' by British photographer Jimmy NELSON was awarded the German Photo Book Prize in Gold in 2014 and also helps at the ITB Berlin Management Award / Jury Award. In addition to the photo book in coffee-table format with a height of about 40 centimeters, a 'small version' of about 30 centimeters higher has also been published.

About the British photographer, Jimmy NELSON (b. 1967)

Photo books by Jimmy NELSON