Title: Symbols of leadership and unity in the works of Bruce Onobrakpeya from 1972-2008

Authors: Ese Odokuma-Aboderin

Addresses: Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Faculty of Arts, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria

Abstract: Issues of good leadership and unity in Nigeria have taken central stage in national and global discourse. Clearly, without the presence of these two attributes, little or no significant development can be achieved. However, a number of individuals not necessarily of political affiliation have developed and proposed ways of resolving these challenges. One of such persons is Bruce Onobrakpeya a leading Nigerian artist renowned for his creative and instructive prints, paintings and art forms both at national and global levels. He has embarked on the process of addressing these leadership and unity for over five decades. This study examines his interpretations through the interpretation of some of his prints and methods of tackling issues concerning leadership and disunity in Nigeria. The iconographic method is used in this paper in order to identify the symbols of leadership and unity in his works from 1972-2008. It is indeed important to note that for development in many African countries to improve, a more eclectic approach needs to be sought, developed and adopted.

Keywords: leadership; unity; teamwork; stability; oneness; interpretation; iconography; self-actualisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJART.2022.122464

International Journal of Arts and Technology, 2022 Vol.14 No.1, pp.71 - 86

Received: 09 Jul 2021
Accepted: 10 Oct 2021
Published online: 25 Apr 2022 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article