Elevation / the air pump or the rush of air
Elevation, rising up into the air, is a matter of wonder in religions and mythical stories. Whatever details these stories may go into - they always remind us how securely we are tethered to the earth and what we stand to lose if we should free ourselves from our earthly chains.
Air is a base element in the four-elements-doctrine - a doctrine that can be found in many parts of the world. The idea of four basic elements from which everything else is derived according to a divine "architect's plan" was equally popular in greek philosophy and in alchemy. According to alchemical ideas, the elements air and fire rank among the active and earth and water among the passive elements: elevation, the act of rising up into the air, is therefore also a transformation from passive into active.
The following tableaus depict people that seem to be being pulled aloft by an invisible power or lifted up on a hover cushion. We are keen to receive your contribution, you can participate here! And this is the way to the gallery.