Toys as art medium?
You decide.
Yellow, Nathan Sawaya
by Nathan Sawaya
“When I was working on [this] piece titled Yellow, which depicts a figure tearing his chest open while thousands of LEGO bricks spill out, I was nearing the end of the piece and I spent almost a full 48 hours in the studio working to complete it.” This is the most iconic sculpture by Sawaya. "So it’s kind of cool — to be recognized for that piece all over the world. That’s become something special."
See
Look closely at the 3D organic human forms Sawaya is able to create with LEGO. These pixelated forms are both realistic and futuristic in the bold LEGO colors.
Say
In Liz Publika's interview with Sawaya (Pop Culture, Internal Angst, and the LEGO Art of Nathan Sawaya: Interview with The Brick Artist) she asks: What’s it like to create an art career out of what is arguably the most popular toy in the world?
Of course, I’ve had critics and people question my use of this medium, but it is what it is. I can’t really worry about what the critics or the art world thinks.
Do you think art made out of Lego is valid? Why or why not?
Do
Watch here to hear how Sawaya makes art accessible for all.
This week's Do is from the Artist Sawaya himself: “I know the main reason I pursue my art is to inspire others. Hopefully, inspire them enough to pick up a LEGO brick or whatever they have handy and create something on their own." From an interview with Nicky Freelove.
Using LEGO, try to build an organic form. Notice how your building method is different from building a geometric form.
About the Artist: Nathan Sawaya
Nathan Sawaya is an award-winning artist who creates awe-inspiring works of art out of some of the most unlikely things. His global touring exhibition, THE ART OF THE BRICK, features large-scale sculptures using only toy building blocks: LEGO® bricks, to be exact. His work is obsessively and painstakingly crafted and is both beautiful and playful.
Previously a NYC corporate lawyer, Sawaya is the first artist ever to take LEGO into the art world and is the author of two best-selling books. His unique exhibition is the first of its kind to focus exclusively on LEGO as an art medium and has broken attendance records around the globe. The creations, constructed from countless individual LEGO pieces, were built from standard bricks beginning as early as 2002.
Sawaya is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, recognizing his artwork and cultural achievements. In 2014, with the belief that "art is not optional," Sawaya founded The Art Revolution Foundation to prioritize art in our schools and homes. He has been a speaker at Google Zeitgeist, TEDx, Yahoo!, and numerous universities.
Nathan Sawaya has earned a top position in the world of contemporary art and has created a new dimension by merging Pop Art and Surrealism in awe-inspiring and groundbreaking ways. His art consists of playing with the material, color, movement, light, and perspective.
For more information about Nathan Sawaya, please visit nathansawaya.com
Join Wonder Mob, a community of ‘wonderers’ like you! Now offering events and classes to foster your sense of wonder!
