The artist’s geometrically mesmerising work is a philosophical exploration of the infinite universe

Renowned British-American artist, Anthony James – who recently made an appearance in the movie Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery – has made his debut in the UAE with a solo show entitled ‘Light’ at Dubai’s Opera Gallery.

Taking cue from the Arabic word noor, meaning ‘light’ with divine connotations, the exhibition is an immersive journey through the artist’s whimsical and imaginative world. On display is a curated selection of his standalone sculptures, mural pieces and furniture, each imbued with mystique and rooted in sacred geometry.

Culture Hub speaks exclusively to the artist here.

Pictured above: artist Anthony James

Why is light a major inspiration in your work?

There is beauty in light, you can’t see form and structure in life without light. In every culture, light symbolises knowledge. As an artist, I work to visually demonstrate the colossally vast and the infinitesimally small – the cosmos, the unity and the divinity inside oneself.

How does geometry inform your work, and what do you think is the relationship between geometry and art?

I am fascinated by platonic solids and Euclidean geometry. The concept of ‘perfect shapes’ occurring in nature is a theme throughout my work.  The relationship between art and mathematics is as old as man, and is particularly associated with the Renaissance, a time when geometrical depictions were omnipresent in the work from Dürer to Da Vinci.  

Anthony James. 40” Round Rain Painting (Aluminum Panel). 2023. Paint on aluminum panel. 76.2×76.2cm

You’re known for sculptures that explore the intersection of light and space – can you tell us more about this and your use of mirrors and reflections?

The reflection is multiplied to infinity, to such a degree that we can’t see it anymore, but it’s still going on. Like the universe, we’ll never stop exploring as it is so vast. It continues, and we have only seen so little of it so far. I have tried to give the concept of infinity an objective presence — to put a tactile object representing infinity in front of a person, to help them witness it, to feel it. 

Anthony James. 40” Dodecahedron (Solar Black). 2023. Steel, LED lights, double-sided glass. 101.6×101.6 cm

The works evoke the essence of ‘infinity’ and challenge perceptions of time. What do you hope to inspire in viewers through this effect?

Thank you for this question – my work is my best attempt to give the impossible and infinite an objective existence. The materials are merely an extension of the gesture. I start with the gesture and have spent decades distilling these concepts down to the essential. So whether I’m using vanguard, illustrious or centuries-old metal working techniques – my interest is communicating in the most direct way I can.

Anthony James. 69″ Dali Cube (Solar Black). 2022. Steel, LED lights, double-sided glass. 172.7×175.3×199.1cm. Edition of 6

There is a minimalistic simplicity to the work, yet it expresses something infinite – it’s a pluralistic paradox. I want the viewer to think of their place in the scope of things. The mathematical and scientific concepts explored in my work are one that belong to everyone. They are not insider knowledge. I try to visually demonstrate the colossal, the vast as well as the minute within the work. While everyone understands the meaning of the word infinity, staring into it is still an unexpected experience.

‘Light’ by Anthony James runs 23 February – 21 March 2023 at Opera Gallery Dubai.

Lead image: Anthony James. Great Rhombiocosidodecahedron. 2020. Stainless steel, specialised glass, LED lights. 152.4×152.4cm. All images courtesy of the artist and Opera Gallery Dubai