Jimmy Nelson

Between the Sea and the Sky

WILLAS contemporary is proud to be the first to present Between the Sea and the Sky by Jimmy Nelson outside the Netherlands.

Fourteen carefully selected, large-scale photographs will grace the walls of IVAR Stockholm, Tändstick Palatset, opening on March 17th, 2023. Jimmy Nelson will be present for the opening. The exhibition lasts until the 12th of May and is open by appointment.

Whilst reflecting on restrictions during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Jimmy Nelson realised he didn't have to travel far to discover exceptional human beauty; he could also create art closer to home. A new project emerged: Between the Sea and the Sky, where he depicts 20 communities in traditional dress and the environment that formed them, the Netherlands. The result reveals a key part of Dutch identity that has almost completely disappeared into oblivion. 

For centuries, the Dutch have battled the water, keeping their country—nearly a quarter of which lies below sea level—safe. This has required great strength, solidarity, and stamina, resulting in the typical Dutch traits that have shaped Dutch culture and identity. 

The exhibition includes intimate portraits and iconic landscapes captured with a custom-made 10 x 8 analogue plate camera. The unusually large negative gives the artwork definition and perspective, which creates a romantic atmosphere, much like a painting by the Dutch masters of the Golden Age. As they walk, talk and dance, they offer a glimpse into how they interact with each other, merging with horizons of seaports, golden dunes and vast vistas dotted with windmills—the landscapes they call home.

"The lines on your faces are etched onto the map of our time, drafting contemporary contours that speak volumes. These images don't just contain the frozen seconds of the camera's shutter but the centuries of tradition, hardship and resilience you as subjects brought to this infinitesimally brief moment of stillness and silence that we shared."

- Jimmy Nelson

Besides the stunning photography, the book Between the Sea and the Sky is filled with stories, tales and mesmerising illustrations that convey the typical beliefs, traditions and history that bind these communities together. The art book's hand-drawn illustrations and maps depict the most iconic landmarks, mythical characters and natural elements.

ABOUT JIMMY NELSON

Jimmy Nelson has photographed Indigenous cultures his entire life. This passion gave birth to his first book, Before They Pass Away, in 2013, followed by Homage to Humanity five years later in 2018. Nelson raises up the people on the other side of his lens in a way that gives extraordinary, often forgotten communities a visible platform full of dignity.

Through his passionate portraits, the artist celebrates human diversity and beauty. Nelson’s dream is for humanity to connect through a deep sense of love for oneself, each other and the Earth. Only then shall we preserve our precious planet. Jimmy continues the voyage of discovery. To conceive the definitive multi-media experience to enable the viewer to come as close as possible to experiencing genuine human empathy with the other. This story revolves around the journey of Jimmy and his 10x8 analogue camera. 

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, leading collections such as The Statoil Art Collection and Nordic Choice Art and Design has acquired works from Before They Pass Away. 

The Before They Pass Away prints are chromogenic prints mounted on aluminium in nut wood frames behind museum glass. Each motif is available in 4 sizes within a limited edition of 19. The prices rise within the edition. All prints are delivered with a stamp of authentication and accompanying certificate. Prices begin at € 5.000.

For the best online presentation of Jimmy Nelson’s work - we highly recommend visiting www.jimmynelson..com

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