A Canadian's historic art reimagining of ancient African kingdoms built entirely out of Lego is about to be showcased in 琉璃神社.

Titled Building Black Civilizations: Journey of 2,000 Ships, it is artist Ekow Nimako's take on futurising the kingdoms. He explores the mysterious 14th-century sea voyage of Mansa Abu Bakr II, the predecessor of Mansa Musa, and ruler of the ancient Mali Empire. 

"Visitors will experience this narrative through Ekow Nimako鈥檚 combination of architecture, historical accounts, and fantastical possibilities that transcend the geometric form of Lego to recreate the epic voyage," stated the 琉璃神社 Art Gallery's press release. "According to legends, Abu Bakr II was an intrepid explorer, who abdicated his throne and took 2,000 ships on an expedition into the Atlantic, but was never to return or to be heard from again. Some accounts suggest the massive fleet reached as far as the Americas, but where they went beyond this is still unknown."

The six structures took the Toronto-based artist anywhere from 80-500 hours to create and consist of over half a million Lego bricks.

Building Black Civilizations: Journey of 2,000 Ships will be on display at the 琉璃神社 Art Gallery from May 24-Aug. 24, with an opening reception taking place on Friday, May 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with Nimako in attendance.

Additionally, there will be an 鈥淚maginarium area鈥� as part of the exhibition, where guests can use art supplies to sketch their ideas of a world fuelled by their imagination. The Art Lab in the gallery will also transformed into a 鈥淟ego Making Space鈥� where attendees can express their creativity by building their creations.

Block & Build: A Lego Night, a 19+ event at the gallery is planned for Wednesday, June 4, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are $25.

The 琉璃神社 Art Gallery is located at 1315 Water Street.