Blink.

And they're gone

Blink. And they’re gone.

Worldwide call to preserve global cultural heritage by portraying the world’s last indigenous cultures in all their glory

 

Photographer Jimmy Nelson sends a warning of the risk of losing global cultural heritage by squandering the cultural identities of the last indigenous peoples. The photographer wants to help preserve cultural diversity by issuing the caution: ‘BLINK. AND THEY’RE GONE’.   By presenting never-seen-before images and the intimate stories of some of the last indigenous communities of the world, Nelson wants to raise awareness – and foster pride and respect in indigenous cultures.

 

 

 

Planet Earth is at risk of losing the cultural identities of the many of the world’s most unique indigenous people. This is a global issue and a result of many escalating factors, including industrialization, globalization and cultural saturation led by the increasing predominance of the internet. Together this sees a homogenization and westernization of the originally diverse cultures of this world.

Photographer Jimmy Nelson has made it his life’s work to attain understanding and respect for the world’s indigenous cultures through his photography. He presents these cultures in an aspirational and stylized way – which has previously caused some controversy amongst anthropologists and purists. However, Nelson believes that the beautification of indigenous cultures is an important message for greater humanity – and one that is needed now more than ever. Today, in a bid to help safeguard a part of what Nelson sees as the very essence of all of our humanity, he is taking a stand by issuing a worldwide caution.

“If we let the cultural identity of the indigenous people disappear now, it will be lost forever. It’s literally a case of BLINK and they’re gone. And if this happens, we will lose one of the most valuable assets we have – our rich human cultural diversity and heritage. The depth and wealth of our humanity will shrink. This must not happen. Our collective cultural identity is too valuable to be destroyed by homogenization. We must unify and fight to support indigenous cultures and take personal pride in the myriad of their cultural traditions that are still to be found on the planet today.”

Artist Jimmy Nelson

Today Jimmy Nelson is sending a global warning – and illustrates his message with a short film, which is the first step in a wider movement that will take place in 2019. Nelson is working with an international team of creatives from India to the Netherlands, to start a global dialogue. The aim is to mobilize an international audience to help preserve the world’s collective cultural identity – and to take pride in indigenous culture.

 

 

 

 

HOW CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE?

We are all human and together we can inspire humanity to respect one another. But in order to change the world, we will need your help! With your support, the Jimmy Nelson Foundation facilitates projects to raise awareness and share knowledge of indigenous cultures through education and art. The reciprocity projects will focus on working together with the communities to support their cultural heritage.

 

To contribute you can become a friend of the Jimmy Nelson Foundation or donate directly to one of our reciprocity projects (coming soon).

Each book sold empowers people to revalue their cultural heritage. From education programmes to research and reciprocity projects. Good karma? You bet.

 

Artist Jimmy Nelson, the initiator of this foundation, creates renowned art books. In his images, people stand there proud, as if on a pedestal, worthy of all respect. The first step towards recognition for indigenous cultures and their wisdom around the globe. His books are making an impact with a capital I. Each book sold is not only raising awareness but also financially fueling our various projects. Visit his website for more information or to order a book.

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    stay in the know

     

    Subscribe to the mailing list to keep up with updates from the Jimmy Nelson Foundation.
    And don’t worry... we don’t like spam either