Te Mata O Te Fenua: bringing the work home to the Marquesas Islands
2 October 2026
Te Mata O Te Fenua
This October, Te Mata O Te Fenua opens at the Musée de Tahiti et des Îles, Te Fare Manaha, in Tahiti.
The project is a collaboration between the Jimmy Nelson Foundation and Jimmy Nelson Studio, and is part of the Foundation’s reciprocity programme. At its heart lies a simple principle. The exchange between photographer and community only has integrity if it travels in both directions.
Earlier this year, Jimmy travelled to the Marquesas to make new portraits, spending time with communities on several islands.
Local artists are invited to take part in the exhibition, making it a shared work rather than a single perspective.
When the exhibition closes in February 2027, the artworks will remain in French Polynesia. Together with our partners, we are shaping the final form of this give back: the works will either be placed with the communities themselves, or auctioned, with all proceeds going directly to the communities of the Marquesas Islands. More will follow soon.
Te Mata O Te Fenua is made possible with the support of Air Tahiti Nui, Musée de Tahiti et des Îles, Banque de Tahiti, Tahiti Tourisme and Objectif Image Tahiti.
