By Rachel Davis
Beautiful, inspirational exploration of art and nature is open now through August 8
Sean Kenney’s Nature POP! Made with LEGO® Bricks made its Atlanta debut at Zoo Atlanta on May 13. This new exhibition from acclaimed artist Sean Kenney features over 40 sculptures made from more than 800,000 LEGO pieces and explores the beauty of nature through highly stylized, colorful displays that stand in striking contrast with their surroundings.
Produced by Imagine Exhibitions, Nature POP! blends art, science, and innovation in the display of the artist’s newest sculptures. Known for his ability to make striking works of art using simple LEGO toys, Kenney pushes the boundaries of the medium in this new exhibition through his use of vibrant colors and a bold, graphical style. Inspired by the Pop art movement, Kenney’s work on Nature POP! plays on that principle by blurring boundaries and drawing from a belief that everything is interconnected.
Nature POP! invites guests to consider how just as LEGO bricks are interconnected, so is everything in nature. The intricate displays explore the relationships that exist in nature, whether that be the delicate balance between predators and prey, the commonalities between species as they care for their young, or the impact that humankind has on the natural world. Supporting content enhances the experience with scientific facts about the creatures presented in the displays.
Most importantly, the exhibition allows visitors to appreciate both nature and the sculptures as something beautiful, and to inspire them to go home and create something wonderful themselves. Presenting a playful spin on traditional sculptural art, Nature POP! is an accessible experience for all ages.
“Imagine Exhibitions is proud to partner with Sean Kenney to bring the creative vision of Nature POP! to Zoo Atlanta,” said Tom Zaller, CEO of Imagine Exhibitions. “Sean’s work is not only awe-inspiring in its artistic qualities, but it’s also an incredible demonstration of the ways that human innovation and engineering can be used to solve problems and build something amazing.”
Zoo Atlanta is thrilled to bring this amazing cultural experience to Atlanta. Nature POP! will be a wonderful and inspirational addition to the Zoo experience this summer,” said Raymond King, President and CEO of Zoo Atlanta. “The guiding principles of Sean Kenney’s art – the interconnectedness of nature, the balance of ecosystems and humankind’s place in them – are beautifully aligned with Zoo Atlanta’s mission.”
In celebration of Sean Kenney’s Nature POP!, Zoo Atlanta is inviting builders of all ages to join the Build Your Best Contest. Zoo Atlanta is thrilled to partner with Mark and Steven Erickson, winners of FOX’s LEGO Masters Season 2, as the celebrity judges of the contest. Builders are invited to use LEGO pieces to construct a favorite animal, a scene from Zoo Atlanta, or an imaginary animal for a chance to win a one-year Family Membership to Zoo Atlanta. To enter, entrants should email a photo of their creation to build@zooatlanta.org, with the following information: first and last name of entrant (or first and last name of child if being submitted by a parent or guardian); age of entrant; and title of sculpture. Entries which do not include this information will not be considered. The contest opened on May 13 and will continue through 5:00pm on July 15. Prizes will be awarded in three age groups, and winners will be announced on July 26. Get full contest details and rules at www.zooatlanta.org/build.
Admire the colorful creations on display at Sean Kenney’s Nature POP! Made with LEGO Bricks, open daily for a limited engagement through August 8. Access to the exhibition is free with general admission. Get tickets now at www.zooatlanta.org.
