Like an 8-bit video game thunder-bolted into life, at the moment the art of Nathan Sawaya is Merge’s favourite thing in the world ever. A New York native, Nathan’s work is constructed entirely with Lego bricks – proving once and for all that building outside the kits is way funner than rehashing that dinky little pirate ship over and over.

 

With works that can take up to nearly a million piece of Lego to build, Nathan’s art is not only visually dynamite but also deeply technically impressive. Through the use of what is a children’s medium to create artwork, as a certified 'brick artist' Nathan poses an interesting challenge to that musty old line between high and low art.

 

Having exhibited extensively across the US and appeared on various cult late-night talk shows, it’s proof that - whatever that distinction – people are embracing Nathan’s work, and are finding him a source of inspiration. And, now that I mention it, anyone have one of those little pieces with the flat top?