Petronella Janneke Ytsma (b.1948 Haarlem, Netherlands, d. 2022 St Paul, Minnesota, USA) was a self-employed photographer since 1987, documenting artwork for local artists, art installations for public and private entities, and theatre productions, in addition to working on her personal projects.

Nell’s work has been exhibited widely throughout the Midwest, including exhibits at St Catherine University, Dubuque Museum of Art, WARM Gallery Mentor Program, and University of Wisconsin in La Crosse. Nell also worked and exhibited in Europe, Indonesia, and Vietnam. She taught photography and history of photography at several colleges and universities, including Gustavus Adolphus College (St Peter, MN), Metro State University (St. Paul, MN) and the University of Wisconsin in River Falls. She has received various awards, including a Minnesota State Arts Board Fellowship, a CUE award, and Residency at the FEZ Galerie in Berlin, Germany. She held graduate degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Stockholm, Sweden.

She and her work were the subject of a 2012 episode of Twin Cities Public Television’s (TPT’s) MN Originals series. The program focused on her Legacy Series which illuminated the multi-generational effects of Agent Orange and Dioxin used during the Vietnam War.

Of her own work Nell wrote: “My art is an expression of my struggle to create even in the face of personal and collective sorrow.” 

Known for her exquisite and poetic black and white photos, Nell was a mentor, collaborator, teacher, and colleague of many in the regional arts community. Upon her untimely death, her memorial service was attended by over 300 people attesting to her status as a beloved and revered member of the arts community.