Beyond the Lines: A Conversation Between FUTURA and VERDY on LEGO® Bricks and Creative Freedom.

In 2026, “LEGO® NINJAGO®” from the LEGO Group celebrated its 15th anniversary since the series’ debut. To mark this milestone, FUTURA—a legend who pioneered the New York graffiti scene—was appointed as the official creative collaborator and co-art creator. FUTURA is reportedly the first living artist to form a partnership with the LEGO Group. Coinciding with the unveiling of “Ninja of the Futura”—a work that blends his signature character, Pointman, with the LEGO® NINJAGO® universe—a conversation took place between FUTURA and VERDY, with whom he shares a close friendship. During the conversation, three art pieces were on display: FUTURA’s reinterpretations of the popular characters Kai, the Fire Ninja, and Nya, the Water Ninja, as well as his original character Pointman—all inspired by the LEGO® Ninjago universe.
They’ll talk about how they met, the thoughts they’ve poured into their characters, and the “freedom” that LEGO® bricks teach us.

Photo_Takaki Iwata
Text_Ryo Tajima (DMRT)
Edit_Hiroshi Yamamoto

The colors of LEGO® bricks speak to me

—What do LEGO® bricks mean to the two of you?

FUTURA: What are LEGO® bricks…? I guess it’s about building, playing, and having enough imagination to create something new. Back in the day, when you bought a LEGO® set, it came with instructions for building boats, airplanes, and houses, right? But I never once wanted to build exactly what the instructions said. I was the type who wanted to see what I could make just with the pieces I had on hand, without any instructions or guidelines. So for me, LEGO® bricks are about freedom of expression and choosing colors. The colors of LEGO® bricks really speak to me. Plus, since LEGO® bricks are something you build up layer by layer, they’re almost like a metaphor for life, aren’t they?

VERDY: I suppose you could look at it that way. I like LEGO® bricks, too. I’ve been playing with them since I was little, so they’re a familiar part of my life. Just the other day, I bought some “LEGO® Marvel Spider-Man™” sets, and my kids are playing with them, too. They’ve transcended the category of mere toys to become a pop culture phenomenon, haven’t they? I also think it’s great how they blend so well with art, as seen in this “Ninja of the Futura” project.