I’ve always found Medusa to be such a tragic and intriguing figure in Greek mythology. Her story breaks my heart and echoes a story that feels so familiar to my own and that of so many fellow girls and women. Inspired by The Head of Medusa by Peter Paul Reubens, this is my tribute to the Greek Gordon who was betrayed by her goddess, objectified by men and in mythology, but who’s humanity shines through despite the efforts made to strip it from her.

She was assaulted by Poseidon, the god who refused to heed her no. Betrayed by Athena, the goddess Medusa worshiped and revered yet who ignored the poor girl’s desperate pleas for help! The goddess who failed to protect yet was quick to curse the girl to harm all those who would dare to perceive her. Why? For the crime of being assaulted in Athena’s temple! Then, once abandoned by the one she sought for refuge, innocent Medusa was hunted, slain and objectified by Perseus; the man who mythology deemed a hero.

Medusa was a victim portrayed as a monster. Her tragedy condensed to a footnote in a man’s story as her being was rendered to a weapon, an object merely to be wielded and contained. To me she was so much more. She was an innocent, a whole being brimming with potential and worthy or respect. She is, and was, so much more then just a tool hanging on Perseus’s tool belt waiting to be used or bartered with once he is done. Medusa is a reflection of all the women and girls failed by a system that fails to see our humanity.

While these pieces are still a work in progress, I hope I gave her dignity and justice in my efforts. I will continue to add updates as I work on these two pieces over the weeks and months to come♥️