Adebisi Akanji - Artistic Genius and Co-Creator

An outstanding artist and Ògbóni high priest

Adebisi Akanji: Portrait of the Artist as a Young ManOriginal Source: Adunni Olorisha Trust/ Osun Foundation

An outstanding artist in cement sculpture

Adebisi Akanji is an outstanding artist who worked in the Ọ̀ṣun Òṣogbo groves with Susanne Wenger for nearly fifty years.
In close collaboration, they created almost all of the major shrines and sculptures together.

Ilédì Oǹtótóo under construction (1968/1975) by Susanne Wenger and Adebisi AkanjiAdunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation

Susanne Wenger with Adebisi Akanji

'I give Adebisi the story, the associations he needs. With my hands I express the forms. I never draw a plan. Adebisi then portrays my gestures with the walls and pillars he raises in red mud and cement.'

Adebisi Akanji in front of the Ogboni Clubhouse (2014)Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation

Artist and High Priest: dedicated to heritage preservation

Adebisi Akanji is the Chief High Priest, the Olúwo Atáọ́ja, of the traditional Ògbóni society whose members meet at the Ilédì Oǹtótóo shrine. 

Ilédì Oǹtótóo: restoration works (1968) by Susanne Wenger and Adebisi AkanjiOriginal Source: Adunni Olorisha Trust/ Osun Foundation

A masterpiece of art and symbolism

Ilédì Oǹtótóo is just one of the masterpieces Adebisi Akanji co-created with Susanne Wenger.
Originally built in the early 1970s, he restored this shrine in 2012 together with the restoration team.

Ilédì Oǹtótóo post restoration (1968/1975) by Susanne Wenger and Adebisi AkanjiOriginal Source: Adunni Olorisha Trust/ Osun Foundation

Ilédì Oǹtótóo

The shrine brought back to its former glory after the restoration.

Adebisi Akanji at the beginning of his career, 1960s, Original Source: (c) Ulli Beier Photographic Estate. Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU). Oshogbo, Nigeria & Iwalewahaus, University of Bayreuth, Germany
,
Procession to the river, From the collection of: Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation
Show lessRead more

From bricklayer to artist: trained as a bricklayer and craftsman of cement decorations for houses, his earliest works of art in the Groves reflect this rather static style. 

Susanne Wenger House: Cement Screen Fence by Adebisi Akanji, From the collection of: Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation
,
Adebisi Akanji with one of his creations, From the collection of: Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation
Show lessRead more

Signature exuberant style: Adebisi’s work became exuberant and playful as seen in this decorative fencing at Susanne Wenger's house depicting traditional scenes. 

Fence panels by Adebisi Akanji at the National Black Theatre in Harlem, New York, USA, From the collection of: Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation
,
Fence panels by Adebisi Akanji at the National Black Theatre in Harlem, New York, USA, From the collection of: Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation
Show lessRead more

Signature exuberant style:  Similar panels were acquired by the Smithsonian Museum of African Art and the National Black Theatre in Harlem, New York, USA.

Adebisi Akanji: one of his batiksAdunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation

Deeply connected to his cultural roots

An artist of extraordinary talent, Adebisi has been working in batik, pen and ink drawing and oil painting. All his works of art are inspired by his knowledge of Yorùbá traditions and the òrìṣà cosmology. His art reflects a deeply personal connection to his cultural roots.  

Adebisi Akanji: one of his paintingsAdunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation

Painting of the òrìṣà (deity) Èṣù

Adebisi Akanji: one of his drawingsAdunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation

Ṣàngó and Ọya

Pen and ink drawing of the òrìṣà (deities) Ṣàngó, the god of thunder and lightning with his wife Ọya, the deity of storms, death and rebirth.
International exhibitions in the USA, Nigeria, and Europe have presented Adebisi’s exceptional works of art. 

Adebisi Akanji and his son Adebisi Nurudeen (2016)Original Source: Adunni Olorisha Trust/ Osun Foundation

A lasting legacy

Adebisi Akanji worked tirelessly in the groves until 2018. 
He trained his son, Adebisi Nurudeen, who is now the AOT/F’s lead restoration artist and mentor.

Adebisi Akanji (2015)Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation

Co-creator, master artist, mentor and high priest

Adebisi Akanji is now the most senior member of the New Sacred Art Movement and enjoying his well deserved retirement.
His legacy is certainly unrivalled.

Iya Moopo's wingsAdunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation

Credits: Story

PHOTOGRAPHY
Alex Gaime
AOT/F Collection
CyArk
Gert Chesi
Helmuth Wienerroither
Julius Berger PLC
Karin Troy
Ulli Beier*

* (c) Ulli Beier Photographic Estate. Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU). Oshogbo, Nigeria & Iwalewahaus, University of Bayreuth, Germany

Find out more about the AOT/F’s work by visiting our website  www.aot-aof.org

Your donations will support our continuing efforts to maintain and restore the works of art in the Sacred Ọ̀ṣun Òṣogbo Groves. Thank you.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Explore more
Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites