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Susanne Wenger

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Biography

Susanne Wenger, also known as Adunni Olorisha, was an Austrian-Nigerian artist and Yoruba priestess who dedicated her life to the promotion and preservation of Yoruba culture. Born in Graz, Austria, she initially pursued studies in pottery and fine arts in Graz and Vienna, experimenting with various artistic styles. In 1949, Wenger met her future husband, Ulli Beier, a linguist, and they moved to Nigeria in 1950. Embracing the local culture, she became deeply interested in the Yoruba religion, particularly after encountering a priest of Obatala. This experience led her to explore Yoruba spirituality and incorporate its elements into her art, including colorful designs influenced by Adire techniques. Wenger settled in Osogbo in 1961 and played a significant role in the revitalization of the Orisha religion. She reconstructed religious carvings and renovated shrines dedicated to various Orishas, contributing to the cultural and spiritual life of the community. Wenger also founded the “New Sacred Art” school and became the guardian of the Sacred Grove of the Osun goddess, a significant cultural site in Oshogbo. Her efforts were instrumental in the recognition and preservation of the Osun Grove, which was declared a national monument in 1965 and later designated as a world heritage site. Wenger’s life’s work exemplifies her commitment to the Yoruba culture and her contributions to its artistic and spiritual legacy.

News / Ranking / Titbits / Awards

Exhibitions – 1995: Retrospective of the 80th Birthday, Minoritenkirche Stein an der Donau (outside the Old Town of Krems); 2004: On a holy river in Africa, Kunsthalle Krems; 2006: Susanne Wenger – life with the gods of Africa, Graz City Museum; 2016: Between the Sweet Water and the Swarm of Bees: A Collection of Works by Susanne Wenger, The Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University, Atlanta, GA

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