The evolution of womens’ roles in the past century will be explored in a free lecture called “Broads, Bikers and Bodybuilders: Contemporary Images of 20th Century Women.” It will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday at Brunnier Art Museum.

The discussion, presented by Amy Bix, associate professor of history, will cover women’s “bodies, clothing and roles in society,” said Rachel Hampton, communication specialist at Brunnier.

Bix said she will center her talk around the ultra-realistic sculptures by Marc Sijan currently on display. The life-size sculptures include the figures of a female bodybuilder flexing her muscles and a woman motorcyclist in black leather.

“I’ll be talking about the proper look for women at different points of time,” Bix said.

The image of the biker woman will be linked to the issue of “women and the freedom to move around” Bix said. She will expand on this subject by referring to the physically restrictive corsets of the 19th century and the controversy over women drivers in the 1920s.

The female body-builder will illustrate “women’s relationship with their body and the history of women and sports,” Bix said. In this vein, she will explore society’s ambivalence toward woman athletes.

“I want to ask the audience for their opinion about the sculpture as well,” Bix said. “I think this exhibit is kind of fun and accessible to the general public.”

More visual illustrations for the lecture ideas will be provided by a second exhibit on display now, “Human Form from Iowa Collections” and various overheads brought by Bix.

Bix said she encouraged students to explore Brunnier and take advantage of what the museum offers.