Akọ ìbẹ́pẹ (male pawpaw)

Artwork story

Akọ ìbẹ́pẹ is a story of a barren woman who was stigmatised with a sin she knows nothing about. She was bullied for not being able to conceive an offspring. All her efforts to prove not at fault became abortive as she gradually crawled into her shell with shame, grit, and acceptance of defeat, which led to her end. Her story inspired this painting and I reached a profound conclusion that society can do better for women who are lacking in one way or another, "Ọlọ́run ló ń sọmọ", we shouldn't forget that, the fruit of the womb is not a woman's work alone

1. Theme: Fertility, societal stigma, gender inequality, compassion, and the emotional struggles of women facing challenges with conception.

2. Process: Using the symbolism of Akọ Ìbẹ́pẹ (male papaya) and the portrayal of a woman's emotional burden to explore the pain of infertility, cultural beliefs, and society's unfair expectations of women.

3. Emotion: Pain, empathy, vulnerability, sorrow, and a call for understanding, compassion, and acceptance.

4. Reference: Inspired by the story of a woman who suffered stigma and emotional isolation because she could not conceive. This work challenges the unfair burden society places on women, reminding us that conception is not a woman's responsibility alone. Through the Yoruba expression “Ọlọ́run ló ń sọmọ” (God is the giver of children), the painting calls for an end to blame and discrimination, encouraging empathy and respect for every woman's dignity, regardless of her reproductive circumstances.