Art transcends the use of pencils, paint and stone. In fact, a worthy medium can be found almost anywhere – including the toy store.

This spring, visit Glenbow at the Edison in Calgary for an incredible exhibit built entirely out of LEGO entitled: Building Black Civilizations: Journey of 2,000 Ships

Described as a reimagining of ancient African kingdoms,’ this important display features four major works that explore the mysterious 14th-century sea voyage of Mansa Abu Bakr II, predecessor of Mansa Musa, ruler of the medieval empire of Mali.

“For this body of work, I really got to explore a very specific narrative. Once I learned about this massive fleet that was assembled, I was completely captivated,” said Ghanaian-Canadian-born artist, Ekow Nimako.

“They represented the culture there, which, at the time, was guided by African, Black, Muslim monarchy and social structure. It was such a significant voyage, and one that notably occurred almost 150 years before Columbus.”

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Interested in seeing it for yourself? Building Black Civilizations: Journey of 2,000 Ships will run until May 19th, 2024 and is FREE to visit, but plan ahead!

Glenbow at the Edison, the museum’s temporary gallery, is open Wednesday to Friday from 11 am. to 7 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.

Timed tickets are available at their website below.

Building Black Civilizations: Journey of 2,000 Ships – Glenbow at the Edison, Calgary

When: Until May 19th, 2024
Where: 150 9th Avenue SE, Calgary
Cost: FREE

Cassandra Stefanic

Regional Editor, Prairies – Cassandra is a Calgary-based journalist with a deep appreciation for music, film, food, travelling and story-telling. When she’s not chasing a story, writing or editing, you’ll likely find her binge-watching a new TV series, at a speakeasy with friends, cooking, or getting lost in a Taylor Swift re-record.

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