Adeyemi Oseni: Working On Three Masquerades Bas Relief

This photo is of a masterpiece in progress: a deep bas relief of three Yoruba Masquerades. They form a segment of decorative wall leading from the Osun Grove Entrance down to the main Osun Shrine. Masquerades are an important part of traditional Yoruba rituals and ceremonies and refer to masked costumed figures who take on the spirit of the ancestor or orisa being celebrated.
Adeyemi Oseni, an original member of the New Sacred Art Movement, is the master of this work of art. The trio of sculptures emerge from the wall in perfect symmetry. The wall has been reconstructed using granite stone and cement and the sculptures are layered on top. The bas reliefs are first formed with a stiff wire netting known locally as “boko haram” because of its toughness. The form is further developed with a more flexible wire netting known as chicken wire. The molds are then filled with cement and then completed using further layers of cement, followed by more sculpting and a final iron oxide decorative finish.
Adeyemi Oseni worked for many decades as an artisan assisting Susanne Wenger, Adebisi Akanji, Ojewale Ammo and Saka Aremu to create their monumental sculptures in the Groves. Adeyemi Oseni is a now master restoration artist guided by the leader of the New Sacred Art Movement, Sangodare Ajala.
Adeyemi Oseni makes cement sculptures depicting Yoruba deities in his own unique style which are available for sale in the shop in Susanne Wenger’s home.