Official Opening of rebuilt “Arch of the Flying Tortoise”
Until early 2000, when a work of art deteriorated due to rain, termites or forest growth, the artists of the New Sacred Art Movement would simply rebuild them. It was part of their spiritual and artistic work. Today, however, most of the original artists are no longer living and Susanne is no longer here to guide them or fund the work.
With the help of the AOT, the New Sacred Art Movement began its first restoration in 2007 and since has completed 7 major restorations including 5 monuments, 800 meters of decorative walls and 50 sculptures. The work is led by Sangodare Ajala, Susanne’s adopted son, and Adebisi Akanji, Susanne’s closest associate, assisted by four others from the original Movement, new apprentices and many local artisans.
Restoration is currently done with higher quality cement, iron rods, wire and netting; they use improved drainage techniques to reduce the impact of rain and products to control insects. From now on, the restored works of art will just need modest maintenance and they will last for decades.
Most importantly, Sangodare Ajala and the other senior artists have the memory and the artistic integrity to bring these remarkable works of art back to life. But time is of the essence! The work must be done now or this art legacy will be lost.
