50 birds, the exhibition (a custom LEGO letterpress technique)

April 10, 2024 7:00 AM

The Eurasian Wren, the Barn Swallow, the Northern Goshawk, the Little Owl, the Great Tit. Artist Roy Scholten has created prints of 50 different birds using LEGO bricks as the printing matter. The exhibit opens April 14 at the Grafisch Atelier Hilversum in Hilversum, Netherlands.
posted by AlSweigart (11 comments total)

His technique evolved considerably between 2018 and 2024. Really great design work overall, too.
posted by seanmpuckett at 7:10 AM on April 10 [1 favorite]

Oh, these are awesome. I tried doing a few LEGO prints this past weekend with the kids, and they turned out fairly well; I was using water-based inks for ease of cleanup but I think that oil based probably would have adhered to the bricks a bit better. If you have kids and Legos (but I repeat myself) give it a try, it's really simple and fun!
posted by phooky at 7:17 AM on April 10

We must have approximately a metric tonne of Lego in the attic from when the offspring were young. I ought to have a go at this.
posted by 43rdAnd9th at 9:13 AM on April 10 [1 favorite]

These are really great! I especially like the Barn Swallow.

Thank you so much for posting this, AlSweigart! I'm looking forward to returning to these to enjoy them more attentively.
posted by kristi at 10:47 AM on April 10

This is so elegant. Thanks for the post AlSweigart. I might even go over, this seems like a perfect present for mrs. Ouke.
posted by ouke at 10:54 AM on April 10

What a cool idea.
LEGOs are amazing.


...and now I'm thinking of how William Blake used to make his own books...
posted by doctornemo at 11:08 AM on April 10 [1 favorite]

The pricing is actually pretty great. I have friends and family who love those LEGO art projects and these are priced just above a nice techno set. Obviously, I'm describing different ends of the spectrum of LEGO lovers, but there's definitely some overlap in that Venn diagram, which I may exploit before holiday season this year. What a dude.

edit: and now I have William Blake homework. Anyone remember that time Metafilter was mentioned on Treme? This is the kind of art sharing that keeps me coming back to this community.
posted by es_de_bah at 11:34 AM on April 10 [1 favorite]

Wingspan, LEGO Expansion?
posted by Chuffy at 1:11 PM on April 10 [1 favorite]

His technique evolved considerably between 2018 and 2024.

you're right, and it's kind of a nice side-narrative to the work. there's something humanistically satisfying about seeing a person get really freaking good at what they do.
posted by ZaphodB at 2:50 PM on April 10

Reminds me of the CuBirds card game.
posted by donio at 5:52 PM on April 10

Mod note: Post added to sidebar and Best Of blog, with a reminder to protect your feet and put your Lego away when not in use!
posted by Brandon Blatcher (staff) at 6:26 AM on April 11