The Susanne Wenger Foundation and the Adunni Olorisha Trust has announced the passing of a legendary artist, Kasali Akangbe Ogun who played a pivotal role in the New Sacred Art movement, and his work with Susanne Wenger (who passed away in 2009). The announcement was made in a social media post.
Originally trained as a carpenter (qualifying in 1976), he initially assisted Susanne Wenger by erecting scaffolding for her large sculptures in the Ọ̀ṣun Òṣogbo Sacred Grove.
Ogun was born into a family of traditional woodcarvers, but the craft had been lost for two generations in his family until he revived it. Wenger recognised his talent and encouraged him to become a lead sculptor.
He is known for his unique “New Sacred Art” style, characterised by lean, elongated limbs and faces with distinctive eyes. His work includes the monumental carved pillars and protective roofs of major shrines in the Ọ̀ṣun Grove.
Recent records from 2022 and 2025 indicate that his sons and descendants, such as Adekunle Akangbe, continue the family’s woodcarving tradition, often referring to Kasali’s techniques and “dream-inspired” philosophies as their foundation.
