Remember those little colorful clickable bricks that filled your childhood bedroom? They’re making a big comeback, thanks to the hit Fox show. lego Masters, now in its third season. The addictive competition series pits two teams against each other in out-of-this-world building challenges, leading to some mind-blowing designs that leave us in awe.
We can’t deny that there’s something so enticing about LEGOs, that they’ve gone from just child’s play to a viable art form, allowing Black builders to express themselves in witty ways that speak to the expansion of our culture. Here are six talented masters of Black LEGO showing us just how far he can go, one brick at a time.
ekow nimako
LEGOs to represent a culture? Definitive yes. That is the mission of Toronto-based international artist Ekow Nimako. His intricate designs explore Black, Ghanaian and world culture through Afro-futuristic sculptures, Adinkra symbols and figures from Black mythology. “Afrofuturism and African Futurism give us limitless potential and possibilities,” Nimako shared. “It’s a great vehicle to change the world’s perception of Africa and the people of the African diaspora.”
Richard Dryden
Richard Dryden made his LEGO Masters debuted in the second season, which was a perfect platform for his lifelong passion for collecting and playing with LEGO. Working with fellow artist Dave Kaleta, the team showcased constructions that represented diversity, inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Now he is a pioneer in the LEGO community, inspiring children to build with a purpose. Awesome Black Creativity, his 26-week collection celebrating Black pioneers in the arts, sports, and civil rights, is clickable genius. He also contributes to The Brothers Brick, a website dedicated to LEGO builders and fans.
Gates of Syreeta
Hip-hop archivist Syreeta Gates secured the title of being the first black woman to LEGO Masters when she and fellow digital designer/LEGO enthusiast Randall Wilson brought their hip-hop fusion vibe to season two. Gates began her journey by building LEGO architecture sets and realized that there was a definite place to bring her two loves together. She co-founded the most amazing studioa creative studio creating hip-hop inspired LEGO art in Queens, New York.
Travis and Corey Samuels
We just can’t get enough of the ever so well dressed Travis and Corey Samuels in the first season of LEGO Masters, which is why his reels of Brothers Who Brick invade our feeds. Their love for all things LEGO began as children in Irvington, NJ, where they were drawn to all kinds of artistic outlets. Since appearing on the show, the Samuels brothers have focused their attention on early childhood education and development with virtual and in-person LEGO classes.
Mel Brown
Mel Brown, one half of the “East Coast Brickers,” showed off his LEGO prowess in the first season of LEGO Masters. Mel started building LEGO structures in his kitchen, then turned the garage of a new home into a LEGO paradise. Brooks loves erecting tall skyscraper-like buildings and shares his builds and thoughts on including LEGO on his YouTube channel, IcebergBricks.
