Wednesday Art Moment

(c) Jimmy Nelson

The first time I met a Mayan person, I thought I was dreaming. I had been taught that Mayans didn't exist anymore. And yet, here was this person, with a language and a culture, that I thought only existed in textbooks. I have since had the pleasure of communing with other indigenous peoples (Tzotzil, Tzeltal, Black Hmong, Red Dzao, Long Neck Karen). Each time unique, jarring, and mind opening. So, I am fascinated by Jimmy Nelson's photos from his book Before They Pass Away. The photos are a love song to the cultures of our ancestors, that unfortunately are dying away. Thankfully, we have this beautiful record to hold onto, even though it is indeed bittersweet.

(c) Jimmy Nelson

The photographs are highly stylized, verging on high fashion. This makes them visually stunning, striking. Nelson has received some criticism for the representations in the photos, with people saying that they do not represent reality. While I can see that argument (I am sure that people do not walk around in full face paint and adornment everyday, indigenous or no), I see these photos as a vision of the indigenous groups through the lens of the divine, which makes for stunning art.

To get the book, click here.
For more information on Nelson's travels and the people featured in his photos, click here.