The image of the African woman in selected works of Bruce Onobrakpeya

This research seeks to examine the image of women as portrayed in selected art works of the renowned Nigerian artist, Bruce Onobrakpeya. The general perception is that, women are subordinate to men in the African society, a notion which is reinforced by patriarchy and the traditional role expectations of women within the African society in general, and the Nigerian in particular. For a long time, this perception of African womanhood was reflected by male creative artists in their works, in both the literary and the fine arts. With raised consciousness, however, this trend has undergone change, and this change is being highlighted in creative works. It will, therefore, be interesting to ascertain the image of the African woman presented by Bruce Onobrakpeya in selected works. It is our intention to study his concept of African beauty, the image of the woman in the family, as well as the economic, religious and political spheres – all integral spheres which are believed to enhance the harmony of African life.