Humanity is a retrospective that traces Jimmy Nelson’s deeply personal and artistic journey, exploring identity, belonging, and the shared essence of the human family. Through evocative large-scale portraits, Nelson invites us to see the beauty in cultural diversity, emphasising that—despite our differences—we are all part of one interconnected world.

Nelson’s subjects are nomadic and Indigenous Peoples from around the globe, portrayed with dignity, pride, and aesthetic reverence. Travel, natural elements, and deeply human stories form the core of his process. His images are often composed with majestic landscapes and natural light, creating a harmonious interplay between people and place. Each photograph is the result of meticulous orchestration, yet embraces the unpredictability of human connection and the spontaneity of real life.

More than mere documentation, Nelson’s work is a poetic tribute to cultural richness. He captures rituals, generational bonds, and quiet moments of emotion. These portraits not only celebrate tradition, but also reflect the fluid, modern identities shaped by global influence.

The 10 x 8 Series

A pivotal development in Nelson’s practice began in 2019, when he adopted a 10 x 8 Gibellini titanium monorail camera—a nod to the great masters Irving Penn and Richard Avedon. This analog method demands patience, precision, and trust. Each image is created with natural light, long exposures, and large-format film, capturing minute textures and expressions in breathtaking detail.

The results are monumental portraits—at once intimate and epic—where the softness of movement and slight imperfections reveal the vitality of the moment. Subjects are adorned in feathers, beads, paint, and natural fibers, echoing the ornate dignity of historical portraiture. These works blur the line between photography and painting, offering a timeless celebration of identity, beauty, and human presence.

Through Humanity and especially the 10 x 8 series, Jimmy Nelson reminds us: beauty is not in perfection, but in connection—and in the shared stories that make us who we are.