Nathan Sawaya

New York based artist Nathan Sawaya creates awe-inspiring works of art out of some of the most common household toys, Legos. His recent works feature life size and large scale sculptures that are absolutely incredible.  Sawaya finds inspiration everywhere, often his own personal feelings. He’s inspired by his experiences, emotions, and the journeys he’s taking. Also, he says, he likes to surf the internet for ideas. Today he has more than 1.5 million Legos in his New York art studio, all of which he buys just like anyone else would, his local Target store. His work is meticulously crafted, playful, and creative. Sawaya’s ability to turn ordinary Legos into something new and thought provoking through his attention to scale and color is what enables him to elevate it to the status of fine art. Because he has to ship his sculptures to galleries all over the world, he has started gluing all of the bricks together so they are permanent pieces.

Yellow, Legos, 35" x 13" x 28"

Sawaya’s piece titled Yellow is a great example of how his work is able to take on a thought provoking and conceptual meaning even though it’s made with child’s toys. This sculpture, the upper torso of a man who is holding his chest open, manages to achieve an astounding amount of detail in the features and hands. He is letting his insides, more yellow Legos, spill out of him. The monochromatic blocks provide consistency and unity throughout the work.

Skulls, Legos, Each skull: 34" x 24" x 3"

Circle Triangle Square; Legos, 72" x 70" x 16"