Ian James's Photographic Journey: Unveiling North America's Pyramid Structures

This article explores the extensive photographic project by Ian James, who has spent ten years documenting pyramid-shaped structures across North America. It delves into the historical context of these modern pyramids, tracing their origins from ancient Egypt to their contemporary manifestations as symbols of commerce and various other functions. The piece highlights James's unique artistic approach and the challenges he faced during his journey, culminating in his book, 'Pyramids: Special Economic Vortex Zones of North America'.

Unearthing Modern Mausoleums: A Decade-Long Quest for Architectural Echoes

A Photographer's Obsessive Pursuit of Pyramid Forms

For ten years, Los Angeles-based artist Ian James has dedicated himself to an intense photographic pilgrimage across the United States. His mission: to document the myriad man-made pyramid structures dotting the North American landscape. This relentless pursuit began with discoveries on vintage blogs, quickly escalating into an expansive, almost obsessive, project as he utilized reverse image searches to uncover more of these intriguing buildings.

The Enduring Allure of Pyramid Architecture in a Capitalist Era

The fascination with pyramids in the Western world was rekindled dramatically in 1922 with the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, sparking a wave of "Egyptomania" that influenced everything from fashion to monumental architecture. Decades later, a popular exhibition further solidified the pyramid's iconic status, leading to their proliferation across North America. In a land with fewer ancient monuments, these structures offer a symbolic link to a grander past, transforming into corporate headquarters, entertainment venues, and even private residences, reflecting a postmodern reinterpretation of a sacred form.

Ian James's Vision: Decoding the Modern Pyramid's Purpose

James's photographic endeavor seeks to understand how the pyramid, originally a sacred architectural marvel, has been divested of its spiritual significance and reinjected with the tenets of late capitalism. His forthcoming book, titled 'Pyramids: Special Economic Vortex Zones of North America,' compiles over a hundred images, featuring well-known examples like the Luxor Hotel and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, alongside lesser-known, enigmatic structures, each presenting its own cryptic narrative.

Diverse Manifestations of the Pyramid: From Spiritual Havens to Military Relics

The collection showcases a wide array of pyramid uses, from the vibrant, polychrome compound of the Buddha Maitreya’s Church of Shambhala, nestled in the California mountains, to the unassuming pyramid serving as a meditation center for the Summum religion in Utah, which famously offers "modern mummification." Also featured is the Luxor's powerful light beam, which has inadvertently fostered a unique ecosystem, and the Stanley R. Mickelsen Safeguard Complex in North Dakota—a concrete mastaba originally designed to intercept Soviet missiles, now a curious relic transitioning from military use to private ownership by a Bitcoin developer. Notably absent from this compilation is the most ubiquitous American pyramid: the one gracing the dollar bill.

James's Artistic Lens: Beyond the Surface of Architectural Giants

Similar to the New Topographics movement, which redefined landscape photography by focusing on industrial and suburban scenes, James's work could be considered a form of "found sculpture" photography. However, unlike the systematic documentation of structures like water towers by Bernd and Hilla Becher, James often captures his subjects from unconventional angles, revealing them subtly from behind foliage or other buildings. His personal travel diary, included in the book, chronicles the various difficulties encountered during his extensive travels, such as adverse weather, equipment malfunctions, and encounters with wary property owners. Interestingly, James rarely ventured inside these structures, preferring to capture their external presence.

The Ephemeral Nature of Modern Pyramids and Future Explorations

Aurora Tang's essay in James's book highlights the inherent paradox of modern pyramids: despite their form suggesting stability, their occupancy rates are surprisingly volatile. Many are built for novelty or vanity, prioritizing aesthetics over practical utility, making them costly to maintain and difficult to adapt. As the world's ancient pyramids stand firm, their modern counterparts often face obsolescence. In a climate where the "American dream" itself feels like a grand, intricate scheme, James's work prompts reflection. His journey, however, is far from over, as he contemplates extending his pyramid documentation to Europe, hinting at a potential follow-up book.