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InspirationArt & Culture

Old buildings and dumpsters are preserved forever with these 3D sculptures

Drew Leshko is a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based artist who loves to preserve the memory of decaying or old buildings that are undergoing a transitional period by creating 3D sculptures made out of layers of paper and wood.

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Via Creative Boom submission. All images courtesy of Drew Leshko

Via Creative Boom submission. All images courtesy of Drew Leshko

He also loves to carve and craft models of things like dumpsters or those ugly, often hidden parts of cities that we'd rather not see.

The work examines gentrification and history, how historical relevance is determined, and most importantly, what is worth preserving. Working from observation and photographs, the artist painstakingly recreates building facades that he discovers around his neighbourhood at a 1:12 scale. This scale is familiar for some viewers as standard dollhouse spec, but the treatment to the buildings is widely different.

The minute attention to detail includes city detritus such as dumpsters and pallets, which are a commentary of the same ideas of what is worth preserving. Highlighting quick fixes and simple solutions, Leshko’s work begs the viewer to build their own ideas of why and when these changes had been made. Accumulations of typically overlooked details and minutiae like acid rain deposits and rust become beautiful adornments.

Discover more on Leshko's website: www.drewleshko.com. Make sure you watch the video below to see him explain the thought process behind his work.

Detailed 1:12 scale model of a pink corner building with black ornamental roof trim, small windows, storefronts, signs and a traffic light, created by Drew Leshko
Miniature green-painted corner building with ornate black roofline, yellow storefront awning and small-scale windows, created by Drew Leshko
Miniature 1:12 scale model of a corner building with pink upper storey, pale green base and white roof, featuring a deli storefront with red vending machine and black gate, by Drew Leshko
A miniature dumpster covered with stickers and graffiti sits on a concrete base, with a black ribbed lid and green sides detailed with weathering and urban imagery
Detailed miniature paper and wood sculpture of the Western Saving Fund Society building facade, featuring three arched windows and a black central door at 1:12 scale
Drew Leshko's 1:12 scale paper and wood sculpture depicting a city alleyway with weathered building facades, dumpsters and pallets encased in a black metal fence display
Drew Leshko's detailed 1:12 scale model of a cluttered urban storage area with wooden pallets, cardboard boxes and a green dumpster behind a metal fence
Detailed miniature model of a red-brick building facade with shop front at street level, featuring windows with varied treatments and utility wires, created by Drew Leshko at 1:12 scale
A miniature brick storefront with a red and white cigarette outlet sign above a barred entrance, created as a detailed 1:12 scale model by Drew Leshko
A detailed 1:12 scale model of The Forum cinema facade with marquee advertising adult films and new shows, crafted from layered paper and wood by Drew Leshko
Miniature wooden dumpster and pallets arranged in an enclosure, part of Drew Leshko's 1:12 scale sculpture examining urban decay and gentrification
Miniature 1:12 scale model of a brick building facade with dark wooden double doors, green trim and weathered details by Drew Leshko
Detailed miniature model of a white corner building with green awning featuring vintage signage for United Check Cashing and 49 cent money orders, created by Drew Leshko
Drew Leshko's detailed miniature sculpture of the Revival Temple building facade, featuring boarded windows, crosses and religious imagery at 1:12 scale
Miniature model of a brick storefront with red trim and white checkered pattern, featuring J & B Thrift Shop signage and boarded windows, created by Drew Leshko at 1:12 scale
Miniature 1:12 scale model of Caring Pharmacy storefront with turquoise roof, cream facade, two windows, metal shutter and signage by Drew Leshko
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