"Patience on a monument"

• Who is the artist of the work titled "Patience on a monument"?

  Penelope Siopis
• What year was "Patience on a monument" created?

  1988
• What style is "Patience on a monument" categorized under?

  Figurative
• What medium and technique were used in "Patience on a monument"?

  Oil and collage on board
• What does the monumental black woman in the artwork represent?

  She represents the historical position of black women
• What do the objects in the 'rubbish heap' symbolize in the artwork?

  They symbolize the impact of Western civilization on Africa
• What is the significance of the dead bird and skull in the artwork?

  They are vanitas symbols
• How does the handbag in the artwork relate to the theme of femininity?

  It connects to the representation of women in society
• What does the act of peeling a lemon symbolize in the context of the artwork?

  It hints at the bitter position of the black woman in history
• What does the background of the painting consist of?

  A collage of photocopied schoolbook illustrations
• What historical figures are depicted in the background of "Patience on a monument"?

  British soldiers, black warriors, Voortrekkers, slaves, missionaries
• How does Siopis use photocopied images in her artwork?

  To repeat and change the scale of an image
• How does Siopis portray historical events in her artwork?

  She relegates them to obscure minor roles
• What is the effect of making the significant insignificant in the artwork?

  It emphasizes the overlooked role of the black woman in history
• What colors dominate the background of "Patience on a monument"?

  Brown and yellow
• How many small over-painted figures are included in the background collage?

  Hundreds