In Pieces. Lego Sculptures Blend Into Realistic Photography.

'IN PIECES' is a multimedia collaboration between brick sculptor Nathan Sawaya and Australian photographer Dean West. The exhibition consists of Lego sculpted pieces by Sawaya seamlessly placed into beautiful photographic environments by West. Both the Chromogenic prints and editions of the sculptures are available for purchase.



In some cases, the Lego sculpted pieces blend in so well, it's hard to find them. For that reason I have created images with callouts atop the art for you.

The photographs, photos with callouts and Lego sculptures:

“Dress”, In Pieces 2012, Chromogenic Print on Kodak Endura, 43.0 x 59.5 inches, edition of 7:


Dress, In Pieces 2012, Plastic Bricks, 54.0 x 34.0 x 44.0 inches, edition of 1:


“Bus”, In Pieces 2012, Chromogenic Print on Kodak Endura, 43.0 x 56.4 inches, edition of 7:


Dog, In Pieces 2012, Plastic Bricks, 22.0 x 15.0 x 43.0 inches, edition of 7:

Mannequin, In Pieces 2012, Plastic Bricks, 32.0 x 13.0 x 8.0 inches, edition of 7:


“Pool”, In Pieces 2012, Chromogenic Print on Kodak Endura, 43.0 x 65.3 inches, edition of 7:


Flip Flops, In Pieces 2012, Plastic Bricks, 4.0 x 14.0 x 10.0 inches, edition of 7:

Towel, In Pieces 2012, Plastic Bricks, 32.0 x 17.0 x 10.0 inches, edition of 7:


“Hotel”, In Pieces 2012, Chromogenic Print on Kodak Endura, 43.0 x 43.7 inches, edition of 7:


Large Cloud, In Pieces 2012, Plastic Bricks, 20.0 x 22.0 x 47.0 inches, edition of 7:

Small Cloud, In Pieces 2012, Plastic Bricks, 14.0 x 21.0 x 14.0 inches, edition of 7:

Bucket, In Pieces 2012, Plastic Bricks, 18.0 x 15.0 x 15.0 inches, edition of 7:


“Tree”, In Pieces 2012, Chromogenic Print on Kodak Endura, 43.0 x 51.8 inches, edition of 7:


Tree, In Pieces 2012, Plastic Bricks, 48.0 x 22.0 x 20.0 inches, edition of 7:


“Train”, In Pieces 2012, Chromogenic Print on Kodak Endura, 43.0 x 58.0 inches, edition of 7:


Tracks, In Pieces 2012, Plastic Bricks, 5.0 x 400.0 x 28.0 inches, edition of 7:


“Umbrella”, In Pieces 2012, Chromogenic Print on Kodak Endura, 43.0 x 57.0 inches, edition of 7:


Umbrella, In Pieces 2012, Plastic Bricks, 28.0 x 33.0 x 33.0 inches, edition of 7:

close-up:


Some images of the exhibition:





About the project:
The project is a series of tableau compositions based on ideas about nature, culture, society and more specifically, identity. Identity as a cultural creation has been heavily commercialized and manipulated, and we prominently portray this through a highly stylized representation of contemporary life. The integration of Sawaya's unique sculpture is key to the series' narrative and aesthetic.

The images have been constructed using modern photography techniques, combined with specially sculpted LEGO® objects placed within the scenes. The combination not only builds on and accentuates the images' aesthetic, but also compels the viewer to deconstruct each tableau, thereby exposing elements of the construction of cultural identity itself. Isolated individuals stand in recognizable but chillingly empty minimalist scenes with geometrical design, derived from common features of the American landscape. Their averted eyes gaze into nothingness, and a strange feeling of aloofness and displacement reverberates.

Referencing the aesthetic of the American Postcard in both the style and content- the series has been colour graded with pastels such as warm yellows and pale blues. The imagery, from a distance, appears entirely photographic. However, as the viewer begins to digest the images, the series reveals its brick by brick fabricated construction. The brick by brick, layer-by-layer process also represents the direct process involved with digital photography today with clear references to pixilation and technology.

Videos
A peek at the process:

Behind Lego:


Behind the construction of the red dress:




SALES INQUIRIES: info@inpiecescollection.com

NATHAN SAWAYA
www.brickartist.com

DEAN WEST
www.deanwest.com

In Pieces is showing at the Avant Gallery from February 28th, 2013 to March 17th, 2013

A Place Lego Lovers Will Worship. Abondantus Gigantus, A Lego-Like Church Pavilion.

In 2011, Michiel de Wit and Filip Jonker of LOOS.FM designed a temporary pavilion in the public space for the Grenswerk Festival in Enschede, Netherlands. The pavilion was to be a versatile meeting point and a place for stage performances, exhibitions and the catering industry.



They searched for a recognizable building; the oddness of proportions only works if the image is recognized. The choice therefore fell on a church with a spire 20 meters tall.



The pavilion (Abondantus Gigantus) is made up of so-called Legioblocks: concrete blocks that are very similar to the famous Lego brand bricks. The blocks start out grey and nondescript, with an industrial beauty.


above: in this former F16 hangar on Twente airport, a total of 618 blocks were painted.



Above all, the blocks are reminiscent of the toy-sized Legos while being the size of pyramid stones. Although these blocks are multifunctional, hardly anyone makes use of their full potential. They are mainly used in dumping grounds surrounding harbors, as a wall for iron scrap or for sheltering potatoes. Once a wall of Legioblocks has been placed, it usually remains there for years, even though they are easy and flexible to build with. The Legioblocks are easily stacked and versatile in their use.






The concrete blocks are painted in 5 primary Lego colors and used indiscriminately to build the spire and walls. The blocks creates an oddness in proportions. The reference to Lego bricks often call up feelings of remembrance, sentiment and creativity. The size of the church on the other hand, inspires the spectator with awe.




The blocks are stacked in a so-called honeycomb brickwork. Because the blocks are not stacked firmly together, a (uniform) perforation in the volume occurs. This adds an extra dimension - day and sunlight entering during the day and at night emits an enchanting radiance; it´s a fascinating effect between volume and airiness.



Because of this, the appearance of the object is continually changing. The reflection and absorption of daylight, sunlight and artificial lighting on the primary colored blocks provides another dimension to experiencing the spaciousness.

The building process:





During the design process the definitive programming was decided. At this time, the final model of the pavilion was made. Three locations were created for a variety of activities. An inside and outside stage, a platform, and a room in the spire.





A variety of activities were possible because of the open source programming in the Abondantus Gigantus. From a special sports day and a Lego building contest to opera and a church service. Anyone could make use of the church.



With the choice in materials they aim to show that with these blocks it is easy to build and vary designs. The material can be fully reused and the building is completely demountable. For each of the next editions of the festival (for a period of 5 years), the same blocks may be used to build a new pavilion. This makes the building less location-dependent.





The pavilion makes a connection between something grand and overwhelming (the church and its size) and something playful, simple and comprehensible (Lego). Due to the Legioblocks´s increasing global popularity, this building may serve as an example for all that may be possible.

Here's a ten minute video of the building process and opening ceremony:


all images courtesy of LOOS.FM