"Conversation with Madame C.J. Walker"

• What is the title of Mary Sibande's installation work discussed in the study material?

  Conversation with Madame C.J. Walker
• In what year was the installation "Conversation with Madame C.J. Walker" created?

  2009
• What style characterizes Mary Sibande's work?

  Naturalistic
• What is the medium and technique used in the installation?

  Installation
• What does Sibande evoke through her work regarding her family's history?

  The domestic servitude of the women of her family
• How does Sibande transform the servant's uniform in her installation?

  Into a costume for a heroine of voluminous ball gown proportions
• What political issue does the use of black hair in the installation refer to?

  The issue of black hair and its straightening
• Who is depicted in the portrait that Sophie is weaving hair into?

  Madame C.J. Walker
• What is significant about Madame C.J. Walker's background?

  She was born to parents that were slaves
• What was Madame C.J. Walker known for?

  Being the first woman to become a millionaire on her own terms
• What did Madame C.J. Walker develop to address her hair loss?

  A formula for hair growth revealed in a dream
• What type of products did Madame C.J. Walker market?

  Beauty and hair products for black women
• How does the sculpture's life-size aspect affect its presence in the space?

  It dominates the space
• What does Sophie do while weaving hair into the portrait?

  She draws strength from it
• What does Sophie dream of while creating the portrait?

  A better life for herself
• What might Sophie's large masculine hands symbolize in the installation?

  Her determination to survive and her status as a worker