Eight Station

In The Eighth Station of Bruce Onabrakpeya's Stations of the Cross series, Jesus is depicted consoling the women of Jerusalem as he carries his cross. Consistent with the cultural reinterpretation of the biblical narrative, the women, like other figures in this series, are portrayed wearing traditional African attire. This detail serves to root the story in an African context, blending the spiritual with the cultural.

Jesus, shown in a moment of compassion amidst his suffering, reaches out to the grieving women, providing comfort despite his own pain. The women, in turn, represent both the historical figures of the biblical account and the countless African women who have witnessed or endured suffering, be it personal or communal. Onabrakpeya uses this scene to highlight themes of empathy, resilience, and the endurance of women in times of adversity.

The artwork is rich in symbolism, with the contrast between Jesus' suffering and his act of consoling, serving as a reminder of strength in the face of hardship. Through this station, Onabrakpeya not only retells the story of Jesus' passion but also celebrates the role of African women as pillars of strength and community in the face of challenges.