00:00When was the last time you played with Lego, and did you ever think you could build a career out of it?
00:06Well, that's exactly what former New York lawyer-turned-artist Nathan Sawaya has done.
00:11His Art of the Brick exhibition can be found in the former HomeSense store on the Head Row in Leeds City Centre,
00:17and it's been seen by over 10 million people around the world.
00:21Since its premiere in 2007, it's become something of an international phenomenon,
00:25and it details Nathan's artistic journey, creative process, and the inspiration behind transforming a childhood toy into fine art.
00:34My name is Evie Blackstock. This is the Art of the Brick exhibition in Leeds, the Head Row.
00:40I am an operations and project manager for Exhibition Hub, who have partnered with Fever to bring this exhibition to Leeds.
00:47The Art of the Brick is a creative journey. We are transforming iconic works of art into Lego sculptures.
00:54So we really take amazing pieces of art that goes from The Scream, or from Michelangelo, and then we also have an aquarium area as well.
01:03So we're looking at all concepts of life, really, and how that can be transformed into art.
01:08We've done multiple exhibitions with Nathan's work. We've worked really closely with him to deliver everything that he wants,
01:17and that we want to display his sculptures in the best way possible.
01:20And, yeah, we have a really close relationship with him, and we always want to make sure that he's involved in the creative process
01:26and the building of the exhibition as well, because it's not just about building the sculptures, it's about making them look amazing as well.
01:32The exhibition includes reimaginings of iconic masterpieces, such as Van Gogh's Starry Night,
01:38Klimts the Kiss, and Munches the Scream, alongside an array of animals blending the worlds of art and play.
01:44I was speechless, especially when you walk into the sea-like room. I was speechless.
01:50It's just, with the lighting and the way that the animals are suspended in the air, it just took my breath away.
01:55My favourite, I would say, is actually The Scream, and I also really like the Van Gogh Starry Night imagining as well,
02:02just because I've got a soft spot in my heart for Van Gogh.
02:04Nathan Sawaya completely transformed his career to dedicate himself to art and 3D sculpture,
02:11elevating the colourful bricks to a recognised art form.
02:15He gained international fame in 2007 with his piece Yellow, and has received numerous accolades since.
02:22Nathan's goal is to inspire people to be as creative as they can be,
02:26and he has a deep appreciation for the clarity of the Lego brick, including its sharp edges and clean lines.
02:31From a distance, these edges and lines offer new perspectives, transforming into curves.
02:37Evie has been reflecting on the enduring appeal of the vibrant bricks.
02:42Lego is so popular. Kids love Lego. Adults love Lego. It's a nostalgic feeling.
02:48So when we welcome customers in, it's just absolutely fabulous.
02:51They're just transported back to their childhood, and that's exactly what we want to do,
02:54whilst also showing the artistic side of the sculptures as well.
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