Founded in 2018, Bryks Art has gained a reputation for turning everything from everyday objects like teapots, to beloved characters like Pikachu, into intricate brick creations.
What began with just four minds, has grown to a team of 140 members – transforming dreamers into creators.
FMT Lifestyle visited their headquarters in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, to speak with the talents behind Bryks Art, marvel at their standout creations, and get a sneak peek into their creative process.
Co-founders Eugene Lee and Eugene Gan not only share a first name but also a lifelong love for Lego.
“I stopped playing with Legos once I became a teen, but I picked it up again in my 30s, making more complex structures,” Lee told FMT Lifestyle.
The 44-year-old, a former electrical engineer who worked closely with architects, was intrigued when he saw them making models out of Lego.
And how did he meet Gan, the other half of Bryks Art? Their meeting sounds like something straight out of a novel. “We became friends while waiting in line to buy Lego,” Gan shared, laughing.
Speaking to the design team, Asyraf Khadri, 29, revealed the process behind their unique and flawless brick creations.
“We start with ideation, and then move on to the 3D model. There’s a lot of engineering involved to match the original structure.”
In fact, most of the design team, including the founders, have engineering backgrounds. And the question had to be asked: Is there anything they can’t make from bricks?
“We’d have to think about it, but for now, the answer is no,” said Lee proudly.
Bryks Art made their first public appearance at Publika in 2022, showcasing their most popular creation – the Myvi.
“Our main objective was simply to test and practice moving our brick creation from our office to another location,” they explained.
They had little expectation for public response, but a few hours after setting up in the early morning, they were taken by surprise.
“Around 7am, my phone was buzzing non-stop,” Gan recalled. He soon learned that their brick Myvi had gone viral on social media.
“I was so confused, because the mall wasn’t even open yet,” he shared, amused. “Then we realised the transport guy who unloaded the car made a TikTok video for his portfolio, which hit around half a million views!”
The team agreed that their brick Myvi, dubbed the “King of the Road,” will always hold a special place in their hearts. They’ve even created several Myvi designs inspired by social media memes, such as driving through paddy fields, going up stairs, and flying over road bumps.
One of their most ambitious and memorable projects was the mural they created in 2022 at IOI City Mall in Putrajaya for Malaysia’s 65th Merdeka. Featuring the words “Malaysia Teguh Bersama,” it became Malaysia’s largest brick mural, measuring about 30.48 metres in length.
Composed of over 5,000 puzzle-like pieces and more than a million tiny bricks, this was no small feat. But what makes this truly special, was that over 90% of the mural was built by members of the public.
Reminiscing about the day, Lee recalled being nervous.
“Initially, we were worried whether the mural could be completed in one month before Malaysia Day. But the crowds came in, and everyone helped finish it in just two weeks.”
The team’s pride in Malaysians’ enthusiasm was palpable. In fact, 35-year-old Chris Willy recalled a funny and memorable incident: “One couple started quarrelling because they had come too late and the mural was already completed. The wife was scolding the husband, saying, ‘I already told you to come earlier!’”
While their creations were once only temporary exhibits at malls and events, they’re now set to open a permanent space at KL Gateway Mall where Malaysians can get hands-on and start building. And, let’s just say, it might involve something to do with pandas!