Lego Introduces Keith Haring’s Dancing Figures Art Kit
Lego enthusiasts and art lovers alike will be thrilled to discover the latest addition to Lego’s lineup of art-inspired sets—an engaging kit that transforms your wall into a tribute to ’80s graffiti art.
Details of the New Set
The new kit, featuring the memorable motifs of Keith Haring’s dancing figures, consists of 1,773 colorful pieces. This Lego art set can be displayed on a stand or mounted directly onto a wall, measuring just over a foot tall. It will retail for $119.99 and is scheduled for release on May 15, both on Lego’s website and in retail stores.
Lego’s Art Collection Expansion
This latest offering is part of a growing trend where Lego aims to appeal to adult fans with sophisticated and visually striking kits. Previous releases have included adaptations of classic artworks like Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers, as well as Hokusai’s The Great Wave. However, the Dancing Figures kit represents a significant leap into the realm of contemporary art, as it’s among the first to focus on a modern artist.
Design Collaboration
Milan Madge, the lead model designer for Lego, played a crucial role in developing the Dancing Figures kit. His team collaborated closely with the Keith Haring Foundation to ensure an authentic representation of Haring’s distinctive artistic style, utilizing archival materials from the foundation. According to Madge, “Getting to choose Keith Haring’s Dancing Figures was a wonderful choice to have. The original piece perfectly captures the spirit of joy, motion, and connection that defines much of his work.”
The Joyful Legacy of Keith Haring
Keith Haring made his mark during the vibrant art scene of 1980s New York City, using street art and graffiti to engage a broader audience. He believed in creating art accessible to the masses rather than limiting it to galleries. Notably, Haring established his own merchandise outlet, Pop Shop, facilitating the purchase of art at affordable prices. This approach was met with criticism, yet his work has since gained widespread acceptance and remains influential in fashion and street culture.
Technical Challenges and Innovative Solutions
Adapting Haring’s dynamic figures into the Lego format posed unique design challenges. The team focused on representing the movement characteristic of Haring’s dancing figures while adhering to Lego’s structural guidelines. Madge notes that “the big leap we took was removing the background from the characters and making them freestanding sculptures.” This innovative approach allowed for the representation of angular movements, essential for conveying Haring’s energetic style.
Encouraging Collaborative Creation
Another distinctive aspect of the Dancing Figures kit is its user-friendly format, designed with collaborative building in mind. Unlike traditional Lego sets, which often follow a linear assembly path, this kit includes five separate instruction booklets, making it suitable for group activities. Each figure can be positioned uniquely, fostering creativity and personal expression, akin to a street art experience.
Target Audience
The marketing for this set is evidently aimed at adults, particularly millennials and Generation Z, who may resonate with the nostalgia of their childhood Lego experiences. The product targets those looking to add vibrant, artistic elements to their homes while indulging in a fun, hands-on creative activity.
As Lego continues to blend art and play, the Dancing Figures kit not only celebrates Haring’s artistic legacy but also opens new avenues for creative exploration and expression among builders of all ages.