Archimedean Solids
by Anthony James

The ancient Greek philosopher Plato theorized that the classical elements of the world were made of these regular solids. The five Platonic Solids were thought to represent the five basic elements: earth, air, fire, water, and aether. Plato believed they’re the most basic building blocks of our physical reality. He mentioned that without Fire, nothing would be visible and without Earth nothing would be tangible. For this reason he connected each platonic solid to the basic elements.

Artist Anthony James revisits Platonic solids, in his series of three-dimensional light sculptures, prompting viewers to ponder the idea of infinity and take part in their own philosophical journey of possibility. The installations immerse viewers in an otherworldly universe of neon light, creating a mesmerizing matrix of glowing LEDs.

GREAT RHOMBICOSIDODECAHEDRON
The Cube, with its stable base, is the most immovable of all platonic solids; corresponding to the stability of EARTH or solid matter. Have you ever noticed how heavily our physical world rests on the principle of the Square? Buildings, doors, windows, tiles, furniture, books… most objects are predominantly based on a cube shape. In so many ways, this shape literally supports your body and an attribute of your everyday life. View James' Cube on ArtNet.

SNUB CUBE

The Octahedron can rotate freely when held by its two opposite vertices. It’s therefore mobile and movable, corresponding to AIR. The Octahedron can also help with self reflecting and raising vibrations.

It will also help you with expressing your creativity through your voice and helps with speaking from the heart. Creating a stronger connection with your inner world and your outer world, “As within, so without”. Learn more about the symbolism of the Octahedron and Sacred Geometry here.

TRUNCATED CUBE

The Tetrahedron has the smallest volume for its surface area and therefore it is the most movable of all the platonic solids. This shape corresponds to the movable FIRE. The Tetrahedron’s key function is Manifestation. It supports your personal power and acceptance of the old, so you can create something new. Besides, it can help you think more clearly, or shine a light on some ideas. Watch more videos of James' artwork on our website.

THE ICOSAHEDRON
WATER

The Icosahedron is the most round looking Platonic Solid, like a droplet of water. The Icosahedron’s key function is Transformation. It can assist you in many ways; enhancing your creative thought process, helping you go with the flow, allowing freedom of expression, creativity and positive change to flow effortlessly through you.

"My intention is for people to witness infinity, divinity, within themselves. The work is by its very nature pluralistic and multi-layered, inviting a depth of viewing outward as much as a depth of viewing inward," says James of his work.

Over the course of his career, James has stayed true to his gestures towards minimalism, materiality, process, alchemy, language, mechanization, and experimentation with light and space, however his works have transformed. From his Birch Series (2005-present) and Kalos Thanatos (2007-present), to Morphic Fields (2014-present), Shields (2016-present), Neons (2006-present), and Portals/Plutonic Solids (2011-present).

View Works by Anthony James

THE DODECAHEDRON
AETHER

The Dodecahedron has 12 equal faces corresponding to the twelve zodiac signs (the constellation of stars) and represents the AETHER, or universe. This is the framework for the descending subtle energies of spirit; suggesting divine forces lead the way whether the understanding is there or not. “I’ve tried to visually demonstrate the colossally vast and the infinitesimally small,” James says, his intention is to express science, spirituality, and philosophy in an object the purest and most honest way he knows how.

Sacred Geometry has a positive energetic effect on the human mind and body, so do the Platonic Solids; assisting in different ways on your spiritual path, and stabilizing and balancing the entire Universe. The glass, steel, and LED sculptures that James creates are compelling facsimiles of understanding and belief, thousands of years old, that operate between the iconic and the arbitrary, the concrete and the alchemic, the mythical and the experiential. James describes his work as “evoking pictorial depictions of the cosmos, alluding to notions of mysticism, ethereality, spirituality and science, all the while anchored through the use of weighty, industrial materials”.

Visit our gallery to view works by Anthony James or contact us for more details: [email protected] or (760)341-1056

Upcoming Exhibitions + Events

January 6, 2023 | 4-7pm

ArtWalk El Paseo

February 3, 2023 | 4-7pm

ArtWalk El Paseo

February 9-12, 2023

Intersect Palm Springs

Contact the gallery for tickets and more information, here

February 21, 2023 | 4-7pm

The Modernists

Featuring works by Bill Barrett, Bruce Beasley, Laddie John Dill, Joseph McDonnell, Ed Moses, Marcia Roberts, and James Surls

March 3, 2023 | 4-7pm

ArtWalk El Paseo

March 17, 2023 | 4-7pm

TAG

35 Years of Art to End AIDS: Selected Works from TAG's Limited Art Editions Collection

May 5, 2023 | 4-7pm

Annual Idyllwild Arts Academy Student Exhibition

This special exhibition will include artworks by students in grades 9 through 12

First Friday's of Month | 4-7pm
ArtWalk El Paseo

The avenue shows off a new side by night, as the sidewalks glow beneath twinkling streetlights. It's an atmosphere that begs you to linger outdoors in the balmy air. So make a thing of it, and take a self-guided art tour of El Paseo, including our gallery and sculpture garden. MMFA is pleased to announce our concert series will return for El Paseo's First Friday's ArtWalk.

Bring a chair and join us in the sculpture garden for performances by the students of the Academy of Musical Performance (AMP), participate in the interactive public art experience Wall4All, and view monumental sculpture under the starry sky. The gallery will also be open until 7pm and refreshments will be served.