Curation, Art Direction, and Exhibition Design for Jimmy Nelson's "Humanity" at Palazzo Reale, Milan. This project marked Jimmy Nelson Studio's collaboration with the esteemed Italian publishing house and exhibition producer, Skira, to present Nelson’s artistic evolution in his first museum exhibition in Italy.
Jimmy Nelson is celebrated for his powerful photography that captures and honors the cultural heritage of communities worldwide. His work is dedicated to showcasing diverse traditions through evocative imagery.
For the first museum exhibition in Italy, the challenge was to introduce Jimmy Nelson’s work to a new audience at the prestigious Palazzo Reale in Milan. The task was to create an engaging and immersive exhibition that would resonate with visitors and reflect Nelson’s artistic vision while adapting to the unique setting and expectations of the Italian audience.
I designed and curated the “Humanity” exhibition, which initially launched October 2023. The exhibition showcased a blend of Jimmy Nelson’s acclaimed projects, including “Before They Pass Away” and “Homage to Humanity,” as well as his latest unreleased works captured with a custom-made 10x8 camera. Collaborating closely with historian Dr. Federica Crivellaro, we conceptualized the exhibition's theme, bringing it to life in partnership with exhibition production company and publisher SKIRA, designer Bruno Stucchi and architect Corrado Anselmi. We created a thematic journey that guided visitors through themes of celebration, belonging, and human connection. The exhibit featured a cathedral-like room for the 10x8 works and an immersive mirror room with our award-winning short film "Blink" on loop.
Additionally, we set up a beautifully curated museum shop offering exclusive merchandise, including bookmarks, postcards, and a catalog created in partnership with Skira specifically for the exhibition.
The goal was to immerse visitors in Jimmy Nelson’s perspective, inviting them to “See the world through my eyes.” By presenting large-format works and adopting a “less is more” approach, we provided space for reflection and deeper engagement. The exhibition aimed to not only celebrate human diversity but also challenge preconceptions, fostering empathy and understanding through powerful visual storytelling.
Due to its overwhelming success, the exhibition’s run was extended, with ticket sales surpassing expectations. The success led to additional projects, including an outdoor exhibition at the Portrait Hotel, a talk at the University of Milan, and various events for corporate and private clients, further expanding the reach and impact of Jimmy Nelson’s work.
Credits:
Jimmy Nelson Studio
Chief Executive Officer: Souraya Sarraf
Art Director & Curator: Larissa Rosvaenge
Scientific Content Specialist: Federica Crivellaro
Filmographer & Producer: Stephanie van der Wiel
Project Manager: Coco Box
Media Manager & Educator: Kieke Maarschalkerwaart
Project Coordinator: Annemarie Kleve
Post-Production: Edwin Veer
Fine Art Printing: André Beuving
Skira
General Management: Filippo Vitta Zelman Alessandro Degnoni
Exhibition Management: Andrea Garbetta
Exhibition Office: Andrea Bonato // Martina Cambiaghi
Senior Advisor: Gian Enrico Gilardi
Skira Bookstore: Laura Bassi // Anna Cattaneo (Merchandising)
Web and Communication: Elisa Impiduglia
Bruno Stucchi: Exhibition Graphic Design
Corrado Anselmi: Exhibition Architecture