Footage: Photographer Jimmy Nelson Revisits Estonia for the 2025 Dance Spectacle
In 2025, renowned British photographer Jimmy Nelson returned to Estonia, marking a significant moment in his ongoing exploration of cultural authenticity and the human experience. Six years prior, Nelson's exhibition "Homage to Humanity" was showcased at Tallinn's Fotografiska, where he captured portraits of the Seto community in south Estonia. This brief encounter left a lasting impression, prompting Nelson to return in 2025 to further explore and document the region's cultural richness.
During his visit, Nelson captured participants in the Song and Dance Festival using a 10×8 analogue camera. The festival, which celebrates folk culture and traditional costumes, provided an authentic setting for his photography. Nelson emphasised the importance of preserving cultural heritage and authenticity, highlighting the homogenization of cultures as a global issue.
Nelson's work focuses on preserving the authenticity of cultures, which he believes is increasingly threatened by homogenization. He sees culture and identity as crucial components of the human experience, advocating for a return to authentic living and embracing cultural diversity. His photography seeks to redefine the narrative around humanity, showcasing cultures in their authentic forms.
Nelson's experiences in Setomaa were described as magical and brief. He expressed a desire to return and further document the region's unique cultural practices. His photography in Setomaa is part of his broader mission to highlight the beauty and significance of cultural heritage, emphasising the importance of preserving these traditions.
In an interview with Estonia's "Ringvaade suvel", Nelson spoke about his experiences in Setomaa and his beliefs about humanity. The interview, which is available in the video above, was conducted in English. Other parts of the show are in Estonian.
Nelson's photographs have been exhibited in galleries worldwide, including Tallinn's Fotografiska. His work captures peoples from the Ural Mountains to Africa and South America. He expressed a hope that the photographs taken during the 2025 Song and Dance Festival will grow into something significant in the future.
Nelson plans to make return journeys to continue capturing photographs, furthering his mission to preserve cultural authenticity and the human experience. His work serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing cultural diversity and preserving cultural heritage in the face of global homogenization.
- Jimmy Nelson, during his visit to Estonia in 2025, captured the wind rustling through traditional costumes at the Song and Dance Festival using his 10×8 analogue camera, emphasizing the need to preserve cultural heritage and authenticity in the fashion-and-beauty sector.
- Nelson's visits to Estonia have inspired him to document the region's unique cultural practices in his home-and-garden lifestyle photography, showcasing the significance of preserving these traditions for future generations.
- In the travel industry, Nelson's work encourages exploration of culturally rich regions, offering a unique perspective on the food-and-drink offerings and local customs, fostering cultural diversity and authentic living experiences for travelers.
