Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has been overwhelmed with donations after Lego refused to hand over blocks for an artwork that was scheduled to appear in the National Gallery of Victoria.
The Chinese dissident was denied a large shipment of Lego from the Danish manufacturer for a work on freedom of speech because of its political nature.
The artwork was due to appear at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne as part of his Andy Warhol/Ai Weiwei exhibition to open in December.
Weiwei posted the original letter of denial from Lego onto his Instagram page on Sunday. Alongside the letter was an image of Lego pieces in a toilet.
Weiwei said he believed Lego's actions were a form of censorship and that he would continue to create the art works.
"Lego's position triggered a torrent of outrage of social media against this assault on creativity and freedom of expression," Weiwei wrote.
"In response to Lego's refusal and the overwhelming public response, Ai Weiwei has now decided to make a new work to defend Freedom of Speech and political art."
Weiwei said he would organise Lego collection points for those who wished to donate Lego for the work.
AAP has contacted Lego for comment.
