There’s a brand new exhibit coming to the Art Gallery of Alberta featuring LEGO®! Artist Ekow Nimako’s Building Black Civilizations – Journey of 2,000 Ships opens January 18, 2025, weaving a tale of history and mythology with futuristic sculptures built from the iconic interlocking toy bricks.
Building Black Civilizations: Journey of 2,000 Ships is described as an Afrofuturistic reimagining of ancient African Kingdoms. It draws inspiration from the documented sea voyage of the 9th ruler of the medieval kingdom of Mali, paired with fantastical possibilities imagined by the artist. This exciting fusion of art and LEGO® helps paint the picture of the historical expedition Mansa Abu Bakr II may have taken with his fleet of 2,000 ships across the Atlantic Ocean in hopes of a liberated future.
Using a material that is know for its colourful array of options, Ekow Nimako chooses to work solely in BLACK building bricks. Grown from his childhood hobby, he has combined formal art training with the use of the geometric building medium to create a starkly-hued signature aesthetic. His collection of spectacular architectural and sculptural works have earned the Toronto-based artist recognition in the art world and are enjoyed and exhibited internationally.
Plan your visit to the Art Gallery of Alberta between January 18 and April 13, 2025 to enjoy Building Black Civilizations – Journey of 2,000 Ships along with all the other amazing feature exhibits and permanent art collections. It is easy to book your tickets ahead online, or in-person during your visit.
Kids admission (17 and under) is always FREE, and if you visit on the last Thursday evening of the month (4-7 PM) you can also take advantage of FREE THURSDAY admission for all. Watch the online Events Calendar to plan your experience with some of the other great events happening at your AGA!
Building Black Civilizations – Journey of 2,000 Ships:
Date: January 18 – April 13, 2025
Time: 11:00 PM – 5:00 PM; Open until 7:00 PM on Thursdays
Venue: Art Gallery of Alberta
Address: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
Website: www.youraga.ca
