Medusa (2023)

Within our cultural patriarchy, Medusa has typically been the symbol for the woman consumed with bitterness, the crazy one, the unhinged woman, the uncontrollable female rage that gets in the way of (male) heroes on important quests, threatening to kill innocent and good men with her vile and evil presence, without any cause, without reason.

It’s only very recently that I re-read the mythological backstory of Medusa, learning that she was a priestess of warrior goddess Athene, raped by the ocean god Poseidon in her temple. Athene gets very angry about this, as she should, but takes her anger out on Medusa, transforming her into the monster who kills men with her (female) gaze. And I can understand why I wasn’t told this version of the story when I was a young girl myself, but I wish I knew it sooner.

I wish we knew the story of Medusa as a cautionary tale of how detrimental it is to be the subject of the anger, scorn and judgment of other women when we have been hurt by a man. How the shame so many women are made to pass on to their sisters in the name of patriarchy, creates an even deeper wound, with a betrayal felt on a level that it can take a lifetime to access and heal.

Medusa
2023
Acrylic on canvas
60 x 80 cm

14 400,-
(+ shipping costs)

12-24 month installment plan available, use contact form to make an inquiry.