body of the world escalette

Inna Jane Ray: Body of the World

Escalette Permanent Art Collection: Wilkinson College
August 2024 - March 2025

As an artist intensely attentive to the living body of the world, Inna Jane Ray’s work is a profound response to the interconnectedness of humanity and nature. This exhibit captures Ray’s examinations of nature and herself—interactions that fortified her artistic spirit and sense of presence, ultimately establishing Ray as a portrait artist rather than a landscape artist.

In the works presented here, Ray explores the intricate relationship between self and environment, where nature is not a backdrop but a central character with a soul. Trunks can be seen as torsos and branches as endless limbs, each form in nature having its own beating heart. Her art reflects a return to the physical and emotional essence of existence, focusing on the dynamism of nature and how it embodies our world. Each piece in this exhibit is an intimate portrait that reveals the life inherent in our surroundings.

We invite you to experience nature as an extension of the human experience and witness the artist’s and world’s body as one. This space is a celebration of the bodies of the world, encouraging a deeper contemplation of our place within the web of life.

The Escalette Collection of Art extends sincere gratitude to Bonnie Barrett, who was invaluable to the creation of this exhibition, as well as Kate Thornton-Hirsch, Jerry Lerma, Janet Nippell, and David Hulbert. Support for this exhibition is generously provided by the Ellingson Family, the Phyllis and Ross Escalette Permanent Art Collection, and Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Appreciation also goes to the Design / Create / Innovate Lab staff for printing assistance and Brian Stewart for art installation.

Exhibition curated by Bella Marinos (‘24) and Cassie Chan (‘25).

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