“This exhibition engages the child in all of us while at the same time highlighting sophisticated and complex concepts. I use LEGO in my art because the toy is accessible. Chances are you probably don’t have a slab of marble or a ceramic kiln at home. But I bet you have some LEGO bricks.” –Nathan Sawaya
The first contemporary artist to take LEGO into the art world, artist Nathan Sawaya wasn’t always creating show-stopping sculptures and stunning works of art. Instead, he worked as a Hollywood lawyer for many years. Then, in 2004, Nathan decided to honour his passion and left his full-time job to become a full-time artist. His success was quick, as audiences fawned over his 20-ft. Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton and original pieces, all formed from simple blocks of LEGO. Soon, his exhibit The Art of the Brick was travelling the world and becoming history’s most famous showcase of LEGO art.
Now, for the second time, Edmontonians can marvel at these magnificent creations. Now open at TELUS World of Science, The Art of the Brick features more LEGO art that imaginable. Visitors can enjoy LEGO recreations of famous art pieces like Van Gogh’s Starry Night or Michelangelo’s David. Plus there’s LEGO animals, Sawaya’s original creations, and an exciting collaboration featuring photography by Dean West.
Something that makes The Art of the Brick unique is its accessibility. As Sawaya underlines in interviews, audiences generally loves these works of art because they are formed out of such a popular household toy. Unlike complicated carved sculptures or masterful paintings, these creations don’t require any special equipment or expertise. Instead, all that’s required is some simple LEGO blocks and tons of imagination. And The Art of the Brick encourages this exploration! Visitors can try their hand at creating their own works of art with an interactive LEGO station at the end of the exhibit.
Breaking outside the convention, The Art of the Brick is a stunning exhibition of creativity, ingenuity, and child-like wonder. Make sure to check it out now at the TELUS World of Science!
