Jimmy Nelson was born in Sevenoaks, Kent, in 1967. He is currently based in Amsterdam, and his work takes him all over the globe. Nelson spent five years travelling across Europe, Asia, Africa and the South Pacific, visiting 35 indigenous tribes between 2010 and 2013 before publishing the book Before They Pass Away, which has become an international success.

Since the beginning of 2016, Jimmy has been on ten new journeys. This is the start of a new book, published in the autumn of 2018. For this second book, Jimmy plans to visit another unique 34 indigenous cultures around the globe.

From the northern reaches of Siberia with the Khanys reindeer herders to the deep jungles of Papua New Guinea with the Kaluli, from the Himalayas with the Sharchop in Bhutan to the last hidden outposts of Africa with the Mundari in isolated South Sudan.

Nelson’s work seeks to provoke a discussion and dialogue about the longevity of these rural communities, many of which face the effects of climate change, global industrial expansion, and conflicts. 

Before They Pass Away is presented by museums and galleries worldwide, such as Fotografiska in Stockholm, Camerawork in Berlin, and Sotheby’s in London. 

Corporate and private collections are collecting works from the series. In Norway, corporate collections such as The Statoil Art Collection and Nordic Choice Art and Design have acquired works from Before They Pass Away.

The Before They Pass Away prints are archival prints mounted on aluminium in wooden frames behind museum glass. Each motif is available in 4 sizes from a limited edition of 19. The prices rise within the edition. All prints are delivered with a stamp of authentication and accompanying certificate.