In 1986, after spending a year traversing the length of Tibet by foot, Jimmy Nelson published a unique visual diary to wide international acclaim. In 1987, he was commissioned to cover a variety of culturally newsworthy themes for many of the world’s leading publications. In early 1994 he and his wife Ashkaine Hora Adema produced “Literary Portraits of China,” the result of a forty month project that took them across the newly opening People’s Republic, and was about the indigenous cultures in China and their translated literature. From 1997, Jimmy successfully undertook commercial advertising assignments for many of the world’s leading brands. Simultaneously, he started accumulating images of the remote and unique cultures he photographed, and awards followed. In 2010, he began his journey to create the dignifying artistic document that became “Before They Pass Away”, and was published to international acclaim in October 2013. Today, Jimmy is still traveling and photographing to produce HOMAGE TO HUMANITY. He exhibits in international museums, shows his work at the world’s leading photographic art galleries, speaks at international conferences, and launched the Jimmy Nelson Foundation in October 2016.
Donna Karan was born in Queens and raised on Long Island. She attended Parsons School of Design before beginning her career with an internship at Anne Klein, where she rose to head designer in 1974 at age twenty-five. She and her husband, Stephan Weiss, founded Donna Karan International, launching Donna Karan New York collection in 1985, DKNY in 1989, and the beauty line in 1992.
Karan's philanthropic efforts are extensive including the Seventh on Sale benefit, the New York Kids for Kids event and since 1993 she has Co-chaired Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. In 2007, Karan established Urban Zen, a luxury lifestyle brand and foundation that addresses wellness, education, and the preservation of culture through their artisan communities.
Mundiya Kepanga is a Papuan chief from the Tari region in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea.
Originating from a traditional tribal community, Mundiya Kepanga has a unique vision on Western society, acquired following his multiple trips across Europe and North America.
He is a seasoned speaker, regularly hosted by schools, natural history museums, scientists and assemblies devoted to indigenous people. Through his lectures, he seeks to raise awareness to the culture of his people while encouraging us to reflect upon our view of indigenous people and of ourselves.© wikipedia
