Seventh Station

In Bruce Onabrakpeya’s Seventh Station, Jesus is depicted enduring his second fall under the weight of the cross. As with the previous stations, Simon of Cyrene is present, helping Jesus bear the burden of the cross. Onabrakpeya’s portrayal of this moment emphasizes the physical and emotional toll of Jesus' journey to Calvary.

Simon, dressed in African attire, represents both a literal helper and a symbol of shared human suffering, linking the biblical narrative to broader themes of solidarity and endurance. The guard, as in earlier stations, is dressed in British colonial uniform, further deepening the visual commentary on oppression and power dynamics. The stark contrast between the suffering of Jesus and the oppressive presence of the colonial forces gives this artwork a socio-political dimension that resonates with historical struggles.

Onabrakpeya’s distinctive use of patterns, shapes, and textures in the background suggests the onlooking crowd, but also symbolizes the spiritual weight of the journey Jesus is on. This station, with its layered cultural and spiritual significance, underscores the themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the shared burden of human suffering, tying the religious narrative to the African context in which it is visually grounded.