The Lego Bomber is striking again, this time, in a fine art solo exhibit.
“Sam Bridgham: Works in Lego,” will kick off with an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at IlluminArts Studio, Room 203 in the Smiley Building.
On display will be pieces Bridgham made using Legos framed in reclaimed wood. Some of the Legos have been sprayed to create depth in the colors, and some pieces also feature neon-colored Legos, which gives the appearance of stained glass.
“Not many people are using (Legos) as an abstract art material,” he said.
You’ve likely seen Bridgham’s Lego-bombing works around Durango: Sculptures made of the tiny, plastic blocks in unexpected places (there’s one in front of The Durango Herald building). Bridgham said he wouldn’t be able to create his projects without the community’s support – and Legos he gets from people who no longer need them.
“Lego bombing is free art, courtesy of my efforts and through the generosity of the children of Durango,” he said. “I wouldn’t be able to do it if I didn’t get it for free, and the fact that they gave it to me makes it more powerful. Just like the fact that it doesn’t get wrecked every time it goes up makes it more powerful.”
The exhibit will also introduce people to an upcoming interactive project called WayFinder, which Bridgham plans to roll out this summer.
Above all, Bridgham said, there is a bigger purpose to his art.
“The mission is to spread delight, and the Legos happen to be the perfect medium for it,” he said.
katie@durangoherald.com
If you go
What:
Sam Bridgham: Works in Lego exhibit.
When:
Opening reception 5-7 p.m. Friday.
Where:
Room 203 in the Smiley Building, 1309 East Third Ave.
More information:
Visit http://illuminarts.us/artist-series/.
