Art installation by Cannupa Hanska Luger in Navajo Nation highlighting land acknowledgement.

“Inploration: Examining Terra and Cosmos Through Art in Richelle Ellis’s New Volume”

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Written by Sam Johnson

2026-09-05

In “The Passing Wisdom of Birds,” Barry Lopez emphasized science’s blind spots when disregarding sensory experiences of nature. He suggested that science could embrace the ambiguous and awe-filled aspects of the natural world, much like quantum physics. This idea aligns with the concept of internal exploration of the earth to unearth the deeper connections between art and the environment.

The Art of Inploration Examining Terra

This perspective is the foundation of Inploration: Art Exploring Space to Understand Earth, a forthcoming book by Delmonico Books. Richelle Ellis, the visionary behind Inploration and Supercollider, has spent a decade exploring “the intersection of art and aerospace.” Her work, which is a form of cosmic study of our planet, revives our sense of wonder about our planet and encourages mindful stewardship.

To see how traditional and modern design can merge, check out Gaudí’s nature-inspired architectural masterpieces, reflecting the beauty of harmony between human creations and nature.

Cai Guo-Qiang's 'Sky Ladder', an illuminated fuse and helium balloon, dawn at Huiyu Island.
Cai Guo-Qiang, “Sky Ladder” (2015), gunpowder, fuse and helium balloon, 500 x 5.5 meters (100 seconds). Realized at Huiyu Island Harbour, Quanzhou, Fujian, June 15, 2015, 4:45 am (dawn). Photo by Lin Yi, © Cai Studio

Ellis describes ‘inploration’ as an inward-looking exploration. It uses our cosmic context to deepen self-awareness and planetary connection. The focus on this concept is evident as the book assembles contributions from nearly 100 artists, scientists, and thinkers, including familiar figures like Cannupa Hanska Luger, Tavares Strachan, and Wangechi Mutu.

Stunning works featured include Cai Guo-Qiang’s 500-meter firework ladder and James Turrell’s skyward masterpiece in the Painted Desert. These creations exemplify Ellis’s vision as they invite reflections on our place within the vast universe.

This emphasis on the intersection of art and cosmic exploration resonates with Daniel Arsham’s sculptural exploration of time, offering another artistic journey through history and memory.

Inploration will be available at the end of October. Pre-orders are accessible through Bookshop.

Lucy McRae's 'Solitary Survival Raft', an artwork photographed by Ariel Fisher in 2020.
Lucy McRae, “Solitary Survival Raft” (2020). Photo by Ariel Fisher, © Lucy McRae
Azuma Makoto's botanical installation 'In Bloom #1' in Black Rock Desert, Nevada.
Azuma Makoto, “In Bloom #1: EXOBIOTANICA I-BOTANICAL SPACE FLIGHT” (2014), Black Rock Desert, Nevada. © AMKK
James Turrell's 'Roden Crater', an installation focusing on light and landscape interaction.
James Turrell, “Roden Crater” (2015). © James Turrell, © Skystone Foundation
Pannaphan Yodmanee's complex art piece using found objects and varied materials.
Pannaphan Yodmanee, “In the aftermath” (2017-18), found objects, artist-made icons, plaster, resin, concrete, steel, pigment, dimensions variable. © Pannaphan Yodmanee, courtesy of Queensland Art Gallery Gallery of Modern Art
Lita Albuquerque's 'Stellar Axis', an artistic exploration in Antarctica, showcasing astronomy.
Lita Albuquerque, “Stellar Axis: Antarctica” (2006). Photo by Jean de Pomereu, courtesy of the artist and the Nevada Museum of Art. © Lita Albuquerque
Book cover for 'INPLORATION', a collection of art studying earth and cosmos.
the cover of the book ‘INPLORATION’

Source: thisiscolossal.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of Richelle Ellis’s book?

The book ‘Inploration: Art Exploring Space to Understand Earth’ focuses on the intersection of art and aerospace, exploring cosmic study of our planet to encourage mindful stewardship and deepen self-awareness and planetary connection.

Who are some contributors to Richelle Ellis’s book?

Contributors to the book include nearly 100 artists, scientists, and thinkers, such as Cannupa Hanska Luger, Tavares Strachan, and Wangechi Mutu.

When will Richelle Ellis’s book be available?

Richelle Ellis’s book ‘Inploration’ will be available at the end of October, with pre-orders accessible through Bookshop.