Meet… Nathan Sawaya
Nathan Sawaya is an award-winning American artist, the first to take LEGO into the art world. He uses over 1 million bricks to create some of the most fantastic art, and his exhibitions have broken attendance records worldwide. (Can you believe over 10 million sets of eyes have enjoyed them worldwide?) I found them to be full of playfulness and beauty, as well as devastating emotion.
Several displays stopped me in my tracks – I was only able to gape at them and acknowledge the painstaking work that must have taken Nathan hours to create. I would classify his creations as pop art, but I’m not sure if others would agree. Which is okay; art appreciation is in the eye of the beholder.
The collection showcased some of his original works, while also highlighting his reimagined versions of great masterpieces. Think Michelangelo’s ‘David,’ Van Gogh’s ‘The Starry Night,’ or Leonardo’s ‘Da Vinci,’ to name a few. It was a place where you could stand and study each one for as long as you wanted – just like you might in an art museum. This truly felt like one to me!
I think my favorite part was a collaboration between Sawaya and the award-winning photographer, Dean West. In one room, framed photographs hung on the wall. It was wonderful to see such a diverse and eye-catching selection of pieces. Next to them, the LEGO artist had pulled out one ‘piece’ of the image and created it with the bricks. For instance, one shows what appears to be a movie theater. The film playing is ‘On the Run.’ And there is a woman out front, walking (or running) in a bright red dress that is billowing around her. Nathan took the idea of the dress, built it from bright red LEGOs, and hung it from the ceiling. It’s astounding, to say the least, as you can feel the fluid motion, even though it is a static piece. In another, he created a brown and tan bath towel and flip flops, items inspired by a photo showing a man at the edge of a pool, ready to test the waters.
There are over 100 sculptures… a dinosaur, a pink room with furniture, musical instruments, and ice cream cones made of bricks. The entire experience is a must-see if you have the time; it’s well worth the trip!
The show runs through the end of October at Armory Studios in Schenectady, a perfect space for these traveling shows. I loved how the LEGO show flowed, from one room into the next. All ages are welcome, and you can take your time standing in front of each display to study Nathan’s work. Check the website for times and ticket prices.
Armory Studios NY
125 Washington Ave.
Schenectady, NY 12305
(518) 399-1179
