Top Shelf Lego: Alien Chest-Burster

There are two general schools of thought when it comes to Lego models: using as many parts as it takes to achieve the design you want, often ending up in a giant-sized model (example); using as few as parts as possible to get the basic idea across, still preserving the basic shape (example). Neither is the “right” way, nor am I addressing the issue of scale. I’m just saying that those are the two most common approaches to building a model.

The goal, of course, is to find a synthesis of the two: a model just big enough to get across the idea, but crafted with a economy of parts. Like all good things, editing is the heart of good Lego. It’s not using the fanciest bricks, but the right one.

This latest work from the “Arvo” is about as good as it gets. Individual bricks are clearly defined, but lend greater purpose to the model as a whole—all the more amazing considering the subject matter, a fleshy creature popping out of a pool of blood. The choice of bricks and the the way the light reflects gives the model a wetness that feels organic. Of course, choosing to model an Alien chest-burster is a clever choice of subject matter. Giger’s aliens are essentially slime-covered machinery, so the hard angles of the bricks actually emulate the alien’s look instead of detracting from it.

It’s good photography, too. I’m learning that half of what gives a Lego model its punch is taking the right photo.

Anyway, love it twelve bunches. Arvo’s Brickshelf gallery (which is what I’m linking) has his previous work, which, while not quite approaching transcendence like this chest-burster, is still some of the best work I’ve ever seen. This guy know how to make the curved bricks sing.

Arvo Brothers Gallery [Brickshelf via Neatorama]