From Curiosity to Action: Reflecting on Thomas Lerooy’s Sculptures

At the end of our first Cool, Comms, Collected workshop on curiosity, we share a powerful image: Thomas Lerooy’s bronze sculptures, like Not Enough Brains to Survive. These pieces feature oversized heads and small bodies, capturing the feeling of being overwhelmed by our own thoughts.

Research states that Lerooy created these sculptures during his 2009 Braindance exhibition, inspired by his own struggles with indecision and cognitive overload. The exaggerated proportions symbolize the imbalance between mental effort and physical action.

In our workshop, we use this image to illustrate that curiosity is just the beginning. It’s easy to get caught in our heads, thinking and analyzing, but without action, our curiosity can become a burden. Lerooy’s sculptures remind us that we need to move beyond thought and take steps to engage with the world.

One participant shared:

“I loved the sculpture image at the end of the session. It reminded me how often I sit in ‘thinking’ mode with no follow-through. Using the game and then seeing that artwork helped me decide I’ll pick one thing this week—just one—to try differently. Being curious isn’t enough if I don’t push into doing something.”

This reflection highlights the challenge many of us face: balancing curiosity with decisive action. It’s not enough to simply be curious; we must translate that curiosity into meaningful steps.

If you’re interested in exploring this theme further, consider visiting Lerooy’s sculptures in person. Some of his works have been displayed at the Petit Palais in Paris. Experiencing the sculptures firsthand can deepen your understanding of how our thoughts and actions are interconnected.

Remember, curiosity is a powerful tool, but it’s only through action that we can truly make a difference.