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