Concept Development, Art Direction and Design for the immersive exhibition "The Last Sentinels" aimed at showcasing Jimmy Nelson's photography and the underlying message "We are one humanity" at Fabrique des Lumières.
Following the immersive exhibition of Jimmy Nelson from 2020 The Last Sentinels traveled to its sister location in Amsterdam in 2022. After releasing Between the Sea and the Sky, a 500-plus-pages coffee-table book about Dutch heritage and traditional dress, a whole chapter of Dutch tradition was added and incorporated to the Paris show.
Fabrique des Lumières is an innovative venue in Amsterdam, specializing in immersive art experiences. As a sister location to Paris' renowned Atelier des Lumières, it operates under Culturespaces, a leader in managing and creating cultural and heritage sites.
Following the success of "The Last Sentinels" at Atelier des Lumières, the challenge was to adapt and expand this immersive exhibition for Fabrique des Lumières. The goal was to transform Jimmy Nelson’s static photography and behind-the-scenes footage into an engaging, multi-sensory experience that resonated with the Amsterdam audience while remaining true to Nelson’s artistic vision.
We developed "The Last Sentinels" into a 40-minute immersive experience that celebrated indigenous peoples worldwide. In collaboration with Spectre Lab and Culturespaces, we curated a dynamic exhibition that integrated moving images, stills, illustrations, film, and animations. This involved reinterpreting Nelson's work for a non-linear presentation, ensuring each entry point provided a captivating experience.
The objective was to create a captivating show which preserves the essence of Jimmy Nelson’s work while adapting it to the immersive format of Fabrique des Lumières. This included adding new elements from Nelson’s book, "Between the Sea and the Sky," which explores Dutch heritage and traditional dress. These additions enriched the exhibition, reflecting the local culture and surprising the Amsterdam audience. They connected viewers with a subject most were previously unfamiliar with, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding.
By blending traditional photography with vibrant animations and contemporary visuals, we provided a fresh, engaging way to experience Nelson’s celebration of cultural diversity. The exhibition has continued to captivate audiences, expanding its reach to additional Culturespaces venues, including Carrier des Lumières in Baux-de-Provence. The successful adaptation for Fabrique des Lumières has affirmed the universal appeal of "The Last Sentinels," showcasing the power of immersive art to bring diverse cultures together.
Credits:
Jimmy Nelson Studio
Artist: Jimmy Nelson
Art Direction//Design: Larissa Rosvaenge
Chief Executive Officer: Souraya Sarraf
Producer & Filmographer: Stephanie van der Wiel
Project & Foundation Manager: Coco Box
Media Manager & Educator: Kieke van Maarschalkerwaart
Project Coordinator: Annemarie Kleve
Post Production: Edwin Veer //André Beuving
Ambassador: Eva Kalis
Fabrique des Lumières
Director: Patrick Alders
Audiovisual team:
Nils le Loux
Mathilde Redon
Luca Horváth
Douglas Benzi
SpectreLab
Direction & Design
Founder and Spectre Lab co-creator: Marc Vidal
Designer and Artistic Director: Jérôme Sérane
Motion Designer and Photographer: Philippe Granier
Head of Production: Valérie Visus
Culturespaces Digital
Production
Grégoire Monnier
Nicolas Charlin
Glen Loarer
Maïna Angelvy
Patrick Vuittenez
Livia Lérès