Pinoy Lego User Group (PinoyLUG), a community organization, recreates famous paintings of Fernando Amorsolo, such as Bayanihan, Dalagang Bukid, and Early Traders, using Lego studs.
The exhibit was featured as part of the Philippines and Denmark’s 77th year of diplomatic relations, with PinoyLUG President Leslie Leshen Araujo receiving the certificate of appreciation on behalf of the organization, held on October 2 at North Forbes, Makati.
Araujo chose the National Artist aside from his outstanding contribution to Philippine culture and the arts, but also because of his connection with his grandparents.
He shares with a local news outlet how Rafael Araujo Sr. (grandfather) and his wife, Augusta Tiangco (grandmother), were former painters, with Tiangco taking art lessons with Amorsolo himself.
Moreover, it was the toy’s branding: “Lego beyond play. Beyond what it is known for,” Arauj discovered another potential of the plastic toy in the most sustainable way.
It then took one year for 94 people to piece together Lego studs of about 64,512 for Early Traders, 52,224 for Bayanihan, and 27,648 for Dalagang Bukid, with additional Lego elements for each art piece ranging from about 36,000 to 52,000.
Araujo highlighted in his Facebook caption the importance of teamwork and togetherness in achieving a creative goal, “At the heart of this project lies the fundamental principle that the most remarkable feats are achieved “together.” We aim to present something truly unique, embracing boldness, paying tribute to our heritage, and ensuring that our past is never forgotten.”
From his words, he aspires for the youth to find the most unconventional things that can bridge culture and modernity, much as Amorsolo’s inspiration in his paintings depicting Filipino daily lives from the past is appreciating our roots.
In addition, Araujo named the project AMOR, which means labor of love, to advocate for taking pride in Filipino culture and arts in a way that is familiar to the younger generations, instilling as well that love takes time and effort.
Project AMORsolo is currently exhibited and open to the public at The Atrium, Legislative Wing, Quezon City Hall Compound, from October 9 until 20.
Photo Credit:
https://www.facebook.com/leslie.araujo.14
https://www.facebook.com/leslie.araujo.14
