Adebisi Akanji
Adebisi Akanji | |
|---|---|
| Born | Adebisi 1935 (age 90–91) Nigeria |
| Other names | Olúwo |
| Citizenship | Nigeria |
| Occupations | Sculptor , artist |
| Notable work | National Museum of World Cultures |
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.
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.
- ^ a b c "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.