British artist Anthony James’ _Portal Series_ is undeniably aptly named. Made of titanium, LED lights and specialized glass, each “portal” is actually an icosahedron—a geometric globe of twenty identical triangular faces.
Icosahedrons were initially conceptualized by Plato to exhibit perfect, three-dimensional, harmony. James has repurposed the ancient theorization to underscore his overarching themes of minimalism, materiality, process, alchemy, language, mechanization, and experimentation with light and space. Though there are few materials, the product of the portals creates an awe-inspiring, infinite alternate universe.
James began his _Portals Series_ in 2011, and has garnered praise for his unique vision of oblivion. "Anthony James' work takes up the concepts of the universal and transcendental in order to demonstrate the impossibility of their representation,” art historian Rachel Baum said of _Portal Series. “_The historical cosmology of Plato is a primary inspiration, both for the sculptures of icosahedrons and for the silhouette of Baroque architecture Francesco Borromini's dome for Sant’Ivo in Rome.”
Though the project began almost a decade ago, James shows no signs of slowing down. He recently earned glowing reviews for his pieces at the Melissa Morgan Fine Art’s booth at Seattle Art Fair. In October he will open an exhibition at Crystal Bridges.
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Get lost in Anthony James’ infinite universe:
[Anthony James Studio - Portals](https://vimeo.com/321319194)
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