 LEGOS are the creative building blocks of imagination. Many children have spent countless hours building cities, creatures and robots but few have brought the brick into their adult life, especially as a source of income or even acclaim. But that was exactly the case for US artist, Nathan Sawaya. Formerly a lawyer with just a hobby in LEGOS, Nathan started constructing some pieces that received attention online. Eventually he was awarded commissions, which became so popular that he decided to leave his legal profession. Today Nathan has an exhibition, The Art of the Brick, touring worldwide. Currently, it's in Amsterdam at the Amsterdam EXPO. It has even been extended for an additional six weeks due to its popularity. At the top of the self-guided tour you're given headphones with a wireless audio pack for commentary on many of the art pieces, which range from sculptures to paintings to stain glass windows. Reproduction of famous artworks run the gamet with Sawaya's artistic vision; including fabricating paintings in 3D form to showcase depth, for example. Brick counts, scale according to the original artwork and even number of days creating the piece of art are detailed alongside each creation. Towards the end of the showcase Sawaya reveals his original creations. Most are based on feelings of insecurity or inner struggles. It's engrossing and identifiable. Straight up neat. The exhibition is plentiful, playful and thoughtful, after all, every idea starts with that initial brick. |