DAVID KATZ

LEGO^® Exhibition for all shapes & sizes

The Art of the Brick Exhibition running in the Zone at Rosebank is a LEGO^® marvel. It is something that appeals to all ages and all types. Like any good art exhibit it means something different to each individual. You take out from it a personal experience and appreciation for the art work. Be it as an art or toy enthusiast.

The lowdown

The collection is the work of New York-based artist, Nathan Sawaya. He creates awe-inspiring works of art out of some of the most unlikely things.

His latest project was inspired by the universally known toy brick manufacturer, LEGO^®. Almost every person, at some point in their life, has been exposed to LEGO^®.

It sees an immediate intrigue as to what an exhibition may entail.

The beauty of this exhibition is that the artist really showcases the versatility of LEGO^® as well as bringing his own personal artistic flare into the work. There are eye catching pieces, like a giant sized tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.

There are pieces that are based on famous pieces of artwork and architecture. And there are personal pieces that were inspired by personal experiences.  

For the Art Lover

You leave the exhibition having really felt the artistic experience.  

There is so much to appreciate. The way he is able to take these “toys” and mould them into masterpieces that really speak to you, is incredibly rewarding to see.

I personally felt a lot of the pieces,

 most notably the section of his personally inspired pieces.

LEFT: The swimmer

It’s amazing how he develops a 3D feel to the bricks, and when it comes to bodies he really manages to encompass all of the human shape. 

A very important element to the exhibition is the lighting. While the pieces are magnificent on their own, the way they are lit brings them to life.

As a person who enjoys the arts, but probably doesn’t experience as much as I would like, this was an extremely artistic uplifting experience.

For the Child at Heart

Whether you are five or 55, if you know what LEGO^®is about you will be like a kid in a candy store. Children go crazy.

RIGHT: Watch for our free ticket competition next week

 While they cannot experience the art as an adult would, they are just as inspired by the work. They don’t tend to linger on pieces as much, but love what has been done with this fabled toy.

It is also what makes the Exhibit so universal. Even if you are not a massive art lover, you really appreciate what Nathan Sawaya has created out of LEGO^®. The scale of it, the texture of the pieces, the bright spectrum of colours, make for an all-round rewarding experience.

The real joy for kids, big and small, comes as you exit the Exhibition. You are greeted by a wall of LEGO^® TV games to play. Even more impressive is the tables where you can site and build LEGO^® and Duplo. Children and parents sit playing with the bricks, creating their own works having been inspired by what they’ve just seen.

Where and When

The Art of the Brick Exhibition is running in the Zone at Rosebank until 2 August. Tickets cost R140 for adults and R95 for children.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW PICTURE

There are also family packages, student/pensioner discounts, and a reduced school-group fee. For more information you can visit their website.