ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Jimmy Nelson's 'Humanity' Exhibition in Milan at Palazzo Reale and Portrait Hotel

exhibition · 2026-04-27

Photographer Jimmy Nelson presents his 'Humanity' series in Milan across two venues: Palazzo Reale and Portrait Hotel. At Palazzo Reale, 65 large-format analog photographs are displayed in an immersive journey depicting indigenous peoples worldwide. At Portrait Hotel, 18 portraits, including seven exclusives, are printed on semi-transparent film up to six meters high, installed on the first-floor loggia windows. The hotel's courtyard is freely accessible to the public. Nelson, born in Sevenoaks in 1967, began his career after a chance portrait of a Tibetan woman appeared on National Geographic's cover. He shoots exclusively on 4x5 or 10x8 film, avoiding digital techniques and artificial light, emphasizing mutual respect and collaboration with his subjects. The exhibition runs until November 5.

Key facts

  • Jimmy Nelson was born in Sevenoaks in 1967.
  • His first portrait of a Tibetan woman appeared on National Geographic's cover.
  • The 'Humanity' exhibition at Palazzo Reale includes 65 photographs.
  • Portrait Hotel displays 18 portraits, seven exclusive to that venue.
  • Prints at Portrait Hotel are up to six meters high on semi-transparent film.
  • Nelson uses only analog film in 4x5 or 10x8 formats.
  • He does not use artificial light or digital techniques.
  • The exhibition runs until November 5, 2023.

Entities

Artists

  • Jimmy Nelson

Institutions

  • Palazzo Reale
  • Portrait Hotel
  • National Geographic
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Milan
  • Italy
  • Sevenoaks
  • United Kingdom
  • Corso Venezia
  • Tibet

Sources