Elements is an eclectic, evocative, and resoundingly beautiful treasury of imagery exploring depictions of the elemental forces that reveal their profound significance to ancient philosophers, alchemists, and astrologers, and modern artists, photographers, and scientists alike. Expertly curated, themed, and paired by image alchemist Stephen Ellcock, modern and visionary images are juxtaposed with the ancient and arcane, and the creative power of the elements is contrasted with the disastrous.
Following physician and occultist Robert Fludd’s (1574–1637) order of the elements, Ellcock guides readers through a remarkable selection of images, ascending from earth through water, air, and fire before culminating in the most spiritual of the elements, celestial aether. He makes parallels with the five elements of eastern philosophies and their relationship to the chakras, acupuncture, and Chinese astrology. Introductory text explores how the elements have defined the components of Earth and the heavens since the ancient creation myths from around the world that first proposed the elements as the fundamental substances of the universe. Insightful panel texts punctuate the pages, illuminating key concepts. Pertinent literary, philosophical, and spiritual quotations are interspersed with the amazing images, presenting further commentary on the overarching themes.
At a time when humanity’s relationship with the Earth teeters on the edge of catastrophe, this compendium of images exploring the natural elements envisions the possibility of earthly and spiritual harmony emerging from the chaos.
Reviews
Ellcock has compiled a cabinet of curiosities out of images from across the globe, from ancient to contemporary times. It’s a vast assortment that maintains a singular vision: that elemental forces are the cornerstone of all existence … Elements truly is visual alchemy, and will be a treat for anyone who is interested in the intersection of art, science, religion and culture.
— BookPage
Contributors
Stephen Ellcock
Author
Renowned image alchemist Stephen Ellcock is a London-based curator, writer, researcher, and online collector of images who has spent the last decade creating an ever-expanding virtual museum of art that is open to all via social media. His ongoing attempt at creating the ultimate social media “Cabinet of Curiosities” has attracted more than half a million followers. He is also the author of Elements, Underworlds, and The Cosmic Dance.
