They are the building blocks of life – at least the life of any 6-year-old.

Legos represent childhood creativity and fun at its most open-ended. But New York-based artist Nathan Sawaya takes child’s play and elevates it to an exhibition-worthy statement at the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn. 

The contemporary artist has five Lego set pieces featured at “Nathan Sawaya: Recent Works,” open now through March 18, 2012. Take “Strength of Spirit,” a 2-foot high hand with a red figure caught between its thumb and index finger. It’s austere and yet evocative.

Contemporary Gallery Curator Elaine Berger discovered Sawaya’s work in a Chelsea gallery and immediately wanted them for the Roslyn museum.

“I got so excited to have all of them,” Berger said. “He’s so talented, it’s wonderful.” 

There’s a sense of adventure in each Lego sculpture. And of course, they’re Legos. Which makes Sawaya’s artwork accessible to yes, a 6-year-old. 

Sawaya, 37, is a lawyer by trade and master Lego builder by design.

“It is what it is; It’s Legos,” Berger said. “He does it so beautifully.”

It's excitement, built one plastic brick at a time.