Art direction for the Jimmy Nelson "Homage to Humanity" app in collaboration with FONK.
Jimmy Nelson is renowned for portraying indigenous people with pride and beauty. His work aims to foster a deeper understanding and connection among people worldwide through powerful visual storytelling. In collaboration with FONK, a digital agency specializing in innovative app solutions, the Jimmy Nelson Studio developed an app that brings Nelson’s images to life.Jimmy Nelson's book "Homage to Humanity" needed an innovative way to engage readers beyond the printed page, making the experience more interactive and immersive. The challenge was to find a solution that would enhance the viewer's connection to the photographs and provide deeper insights into the stories behind them.
As the Jimmy Nelson Studio’s Art Director, I guided FONK in developing an app that integrates augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to complement Jimmy Nelson’s book "Homage to Humanity." For each image in the book, a video was created to provide additional depth, which users can access by scanning the images with the app. By delving deeper, users are rewarded with access to special 360-degree videos, further enriching the experience.
The goal was to create a more profound connection between viewers and the subjects of Nelson's photographs. By adding layers of context and interactivity through AR and VR, the app helps users gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the people and cultures depicted in the images. This approach aligns with Nelson’s ultimate mission of fostering global connectedness and empathy.
The "Homage to Humanity" app has been a resounding success, with over 87,000 downloads and more than 2 million video views. It has significantly enhanced the impact of Jimmy Nelson’s work, making the stories more accessible and engaging. The app also received critical acclaim, winning Webby Award in the ‘Art & Experimental’ category. Furthermore, the app is being further integrated into all subsequent publications and exhibitions, ensuring that the immersive experience continues to reach a broader audience and deepens the connection between Nelson's work and its viewers.
Credits:
Jimmy Nelson Studio
Artist: Jimmy Nelson
Art Direction & Curation: Larissa Rosvaenge
Project Management: Coco Box
Design: Larissa Rosvaenge //Yvy Bakker
Film Footage: Bram Vis // Stephanie van der Wiel
Film Editing: Bob van Helden
PR: Marit de Hoog
FONK
Erik Jan Bijvank
Erick de Jong
Marc Apon
Jasper Bunschoten
Jurre Kuilder
Adam Semenenko