Adebisi Akanji

Born in Oshogbo, Nigeria, date unknown

One of the artists in Contemporary African Art at Camden Arts Centre, London, 10 August - 8 September 1969. The artist’s biographical entry in the catalogue was “Adebisi Akanji, born in the 30s in Oshogbo, Nigeria. a bricklayer, he was encouraged by Ulli Beier in 1962 to construct cement figures; he developed this technique and made screens which could be incorporated in architecture. The screens illustrate Yoruba folk themes in an original and lively way, making a powerful synthesis of the old and new in Africa. One of his best-known works is the large mural at the Esso Petrol Station in Oshogbo.”