Ninth Station

In The Ninth Station of Bruce Onabrakpeya's Stations of the Cross series, Jesus is depicted falling for the third time under the weight of the cross. This moment of intense struggle is emphasized by the presence of a guard behind him, dressed in British colonial uniform, urging him to rise and continue his burdened journey.

Onabrakpeya's portrayal of the scene uses cultural and historical elements, such as the colonial uniform, to draw parallels between the suffering of Jesus and the historical experiences of oppression faced by African people under colonial rule. The artist's depiction of Jesus' repeated falls speaks to the persistence of human suffering, while the guard's role highlights the forces of power and control that impose continued hardship.

The visual narrative, combining traditional religious themes with African and colonial contexts, serves as a powerful reflection on resilience. The Ninth Station not only captures a moment of physical collapse but also symbolizes the human spirit's ability to rise, even when repeatedly struck down by external forces.