Author Archives: Timmy Tan

The Art of Time – LEGO

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Brick artist Nathan Sawaya spent an entire summer putting together his 80,020-Lego brick dinosaur skeleton creation (2010). Image: Tang Portfolio

Brick artist Nathan Sawaya spent an entire summer putting together his 80,020-Lego brick dinosaur skeleton creation (2010). Image: Tang Portfolio

Have you ever thought of assembling a dinosaur skeleton simply with Lego bricks even when there is no such kit available?

If you did, see if you can top what Nathan Sawaya did with 80,020 Lego bricks. His 1.8-metre tall Lego dinosaur skeleton creation six metres in length required an entire summer to put together and it is currently one of the largest sculptures he has ever built.

Impressed? Well, Sawaya is one of 13 individuals in the world certified by Lego as Brick Masters. Describing himself a Brick Artist, Sawaya is the very same gentleman who created Yellow, a sculpture you’d never forget once you see it.

Sawaya’s “Yellow” (2006) sculpture made of 11,014 bricks is an unforgettable creation; this is one reason why it is iconic. Photo: © TANG Portfolio

Sawaya’s “Yellow” (2006) sculpture made of 11,014 bricks is an unforgettable creation; this is one reason why it is iconic. Photo: © TANG Portfolio

Then there is Sawaya’s life-size Blue Guy Sitting which is a true-blue (pun most definitely intended) “people magnet” at his exhibitions. Once you spot this sculpture, you’d instinctively want to sit on the empty seat beside it and have your photo taken with Mr Blue Guy.

Blue Guy Sitting (2010) has an (inviting) empty black chair beside him as people would naturally gravitate towards this sculpture to have a photo taken with him. Image: Tang Portfolio

Blue Guy Sitting (2010) has an (inviting) empty black chair beside him as people would naturally gravitate towards this sculpture to have a photo taken with him. Image: Tang Portfolio

Speaking of exhibitions, if you are in Singapore during the period 17 November to 14 April 2013 and would like to view Sawaya’s Lego creations, then do head down to the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands for the “Art of the Brick” exhibition. Here you will be able to appreciate first-hand 52 of his Lego sculptures.

Not sure what the ArtScience Museum looks like? Well, Sawaya was also commissioned by the museum to construct it and his sculpture was accomplished with 15,999 Lego bricks.

Singapore’s ArtScience Museum required 15,999 Lego bricks. Image: Tang Portfolio

Singapore’s ArtScience Museum required 15,999 Lego bricks. Image: Tang Portfolio

A visit to view his sculptures is well worth the effort, especially to discover how this gentleman can turn what many would simply classify as a toy into iconic art forms.

Moreover, bear in mind while viewing the exhibits that Sawaya only uses standard Lego bricks and not one piece was customised for his sculptures.

Brick Artist Nathan Sawaya. Image: Tang Portfolio, taken at the ArtScience Museum

Brick Artist Nathan Sawaya. Image: Tang Portfolio, taken at the ArtScience Museum

How is this exhibition related to time? Plenty, just consider the time, thought and effort required to put together such impressive Lego sculptures; and by the way, do note that the bricks are glued, just in case you suddenly have the “itchy” fingers urge.

We also noted that this talented artist sported a highly appropriate timepiece: a Movado wristwatch with the famed “Museum watch dial” – the dial with the single dot at 12 o’clock when he was here in Singapore.

Perhaps this Lego sculpture will serve as a reminder for you to make a (mental) note to visit to the ArtScience Museum’s “Art of the Brick”, something we highly recommend for everyone, adults included; after all, there is a child inside all of us

Perhaps this Lego sculpture will serve as a reminder for you to make a (mental) note to visit to the ArtScience Museum’s “Art of the Brick”, something we highly recommend for everyone, adults included; after all, there is a child inside all of us

Parmigiani

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A powerful performance by Orientarhythm. Photo: © Tang Portfolio

A powerful performance by Orientarhythm. Photo: © Tang Portfolio

In early November 2012, Parmigiani Fleurier and specialist watch retailer The Hour Glass officially celebrated their new partnership with what they defined as five-star sit-down dinners in Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).

Guests in Singapore for example were treated to a nice dinner onstage at the Esplanade Concert Hall. The opening act was a powerful performance by Orientarhythm.

Miguel Antonio at 11 years of age amazed everyone with his singing talent. Photo: Tang Portfolio

What followed during the course of dinner were beautiful songs sung by eleven-year old singing sensation Miguel Antonio. Once he opened his mouth, the handsome young boy proved to everyone present his serious talent.

Donne Rae, fourth generation Platters singer. Photo: Tang Portfolio

The best was kept for the end and it was Donne Rae, known as the fourth generation Platters singer who belted out classic hits such as The Great Pretender and Only You.

Parmigiani Bugatti Super Sport The Hour Glass Special Limited Edition – “Only 10”. Image courtesy of The Hour Glass

Parmigiani Bugatti Super Sport The Hour Glass Special Limited Edition – “Only 10”. Image courtesy of The Hour Glass

But one must not forget another superstar of the celebrations – the Parmigiani Super Sport – The Hour Glass Special Limited Edition, of which only 10 were made.

First unveiled in 2010, it takes its name from the Bugatti Veyron and features a perpendicular display of time. The Hour Glass version is darker and sportier as compared to the original. Housing the PF 372 manual-winding movement, it features a 10-day power reserve with a power reserve display.

This is the very first time Parmigiani has created a limited edition for any partner, revealed Jean-Marc Jacot, chief executive officer of Parmigiani Fleurier at the dinner in Singapore.

The powerful performances by all the stars are symbolic of perhaps the start of a powerful relationship between the two partners.

We do not quite agree to the celebratory dinner as being five-star though. This is simply because it deserves another – thereby becoming a six-star celebration.