Adebisi Akanji
Adebisi Akanji | |
|---|---|
| Born | Adebisi 1935 (age 90–91) Nigeria |
| Other name | Olúwo |
| Citizenship | Nigeria |
| Occupations | Sculptor , artist |
| Notable work | National Museum of World Cultures, Smithsonian Museum of African Art, National Black Theatre in Harlem |
Adebisi Akanji ⓘ (1935–2023) was a Nigerian artist as well as the Olúwo (Ògbóni chief priest) of Ilédì Lárọ̀ Ohùntótó - the main Ògbóni Ìbílẹ̀ lodge of Òṣogbo, capital of Ọ̀ṣun State, Nigeria.
Early life and education
In his early life he worked as a bricklayer,[1][2] and first began to create sculptures as part of a competition to sculpt cement animals based on traditional architectural elements in Yoruba houses.[3]
Career
Akanji is best known for his open-faced cement screens and other sculptural work. He has also worked in textiles.[3] His work often illustrates themes from Yoruba folklore. In collaboration with Susanne Wenger, he worked for a decade on the Osun shrine in Osogbo, Nigeria, and is responsible for many of the shrine's sculptural elements.[3][4] [5]He also worked with pen/ink drawing and oil painting to create 2-d pieces of art inspired by his cultural identity.
Recognition and legacy
In 1962, Akanji was encouraged by Austrian-Nigerian artist Susanne Wenger and writer Ulli Beier to begin constructing cement figures, a turning point that launched his transition from bricklayer to artist.[6] His cement screen panels were exhibited at Contemporary African Art at the Camden Arts Centre, London, from 10 August to 8 September 1969.[7]
Akanji worked tirelessly in the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove until 2018, after which he trained his son, Adebisi Nurudeen, who became the lead restoration artist and mentor for the Adunni Olorisha Trust.[8] Similar panel fencing to his work at Susanne Wenger's house was acquired by both the Smithsonian Museum of African Art and the National Black Theatre in Harlem, New York.[9]
Akanji became the most senior member of the New Sacred Art Movement in his later years before his death in 2023.[10]
References
- ↑ Jo Ann Lewis (23 January 2000), "Nigeria's 'Concrete' Achievements", Special to The Washington Post, p. G01
- ↑ "Adebisi Akanji". Archived from the original on 10 July 2018. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
- 1 2 3 "Adebisi Akanji". Retrieved 6 July 2015.
- ↑ "Official Opening of the Arch of the Flying Tortoise, Osun-Osogbo, Aug. 2015 on susannewenger-aot.org". Archived from the original on 10 July 2018. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
- ↑ "Adebisi Akanji - Artistic Genius and Co-Creator". Google Arts & Culture. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ↑ "Adebisi Akanji Diaspora Artists". Diaspora Artists. Retrieved 30 June 2026.
- ↑ "Adebisi Akanji Diaspora Artists". Diaspora Artists. Retrieved 30 June 2026.
- ↑ "Adebisi Akanji Artistic Genius and Co-Creator". Google Arts and Culture. Retrieved 30 June 2026.
- ↑ "Adebisi Akanji Artistic Genius and Co-Creator". Google Arts and Culture. Retrieved 30 June 2026.
- ↑ "Adebisi Akanji Artistic Genius and Co-Creator". Google Arts and Culture. Retrieved 30 June 2026.
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