6 Years After: Late Susan Wenger's New Sacred Art Movement Still Kicking.

Ordinarily, one would have

thought that permanent resident and art gallery of the Late Osun Devotee, Susan Wenger popularly known in her lifetime as Adunni Olorisa, located at Oke Baale Road, Osogbo, should have been deserted after her demise six years ago. But it is interesting to know that the place is still being properly maintained. 

Not only that the gallery is being well managed, the art movement she founded alongside her ex- German linguist husband, late Ulli Beier of the blessed

memory, over many decades ago is also intact. The group which is made up of local artists is what has today transformed to New Sacred Art Movement. The movement, full of artists who are renowned art & craft promoters. 

People who have not only been successfully dominating the industry in their different areas, but also have participated in several international art shows, exhibition and seminars across the whole world. It was also discovered that the artworks in the gallery of the late Adunni Olorisa are being preserved and taking care of. This gathered is being achieved with the help of Susan Wenger’s adopted children who are also notable artists. Led by Mama’s first son, Chief Shangodare Ajala. 

Others include Chief (Mrs.) Doyin Faniyi, Nike Davies-Okundaye and host of others numbering about fifteen. In a chat with Mrs. Kikelomo Oladepo who is one of those looking after the gallery. Who

described late Susan Wenger as a pure lover of art and culture who lived her

life solely for her believe in deities and their values. ‘’I met the late Adunni
Olorisa through my father, a brass caster who happened to be mama’s customer
and I can say categorically that she was indeed a mother. She was generous and
death with people accordingly irrespective of their age or status. She was a
promoter of art and culture especially the Yoruba culture despite the fact that
she wasn’t a Nigerian’’.Mrs Oladepo said.

A visit to Adunni Olorisa
art gallery will surely convince one about the late Susan Wenger’s artistry
mind and might; everywhere is filled with different kind of artworks, Adire in all shades and
exclusive paintings. The entrance to the place alone gives one a clear picture of what to meet inside.

Part of Susan Wenger's achievements in her lifetime was her efforts in the preservation of the popular Sacred Groove in the forest near Osun river. She encouraged
other artists in making sure the groove is being well preserved. The groove, however has turned out to be the most visited site for international tourists, especially during the celebration of Osun Osogbo Festival.This
her singular efforts was what drew the attention of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to have listed Osun Osogbo as the
‘World Heritage Site’ in 2005; making the festival a world recognised event,which holds
August of every year. It has become an affair where sons and daughters of Osun State, as well as tourists from across the world, gathered to celebrate Yoruba
heritage and culture. The festival attracts not less than a million crowd to the
site on yearly basis.
Even though Adunni Olorisa,
the Austria born artist and Yoruba Priestess who died in her adopted hometown, Osogbo,
sometimes in January, 2009. At age of 94 is no more, her works still speaks for
her anywhere arts issue is mentioned. She left behind a legacy that worth being talked about;the Susan Wenger Foundation,
Adunni Olorisa Trust, Gallery and many more are still there for people to see.