Adebisi Akanji

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, and first began to create sculptures as part of a competition to sculpt cement animals based on traditional architectural elements in Yoruba houses.

Career Akanji is best known for his open-faced cement screens and other sculptural work. He has also worked in textiles. He also worked with pen/ink drawing and oil painting to create 2-d pieces of art inspired by his cultural identity.

A cement sculpture by Adebisi Akanji at the entrance to the house of Susanne Wenger. 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. His cement screen panels were exhibited at Contemporary African Art at the Camden Arts Centre, London, from 10 August to 8 September 1969.

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. 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.

Akanji became the most senior member of the New Sacred Art Movement in his later years before his death in 2023.