2025 Finalists

This painting is part of the “Ancient Greek Myths Through Rose-Coloured Glasses” series. It explores the myths of Ancient Greece and themes of cruel or unjust punishments. The paintings and textile works depict mythological figures enduring harsh or unfair consequences, with interpretations of these stories placed in modern settings.

The series encourages us to look back at humanity’s past and raises questions about how our current social norms may one day be judged just as critically as ancient myths are today. It suggests that, in the future, our present-day beliefs, practices, and systems of justice may be seen as outdated – or even wrong – by those who come after us, just as we now criticise the harshness of mythological punishments.

In Greek mythology, there are several different depictions of Medusa’s myth. In some, she is a monster from birth – an obstacle for heroes to overcome. In others, she was a maiden who served in Athena’s temple. This latter version is explored in the artwork. Medusa was assaulted by Poseidon on the steps of Athena’s temple. Athena showed her no mercy or compassion and punished her by turning her into a monster. Some interpret this version of the myth not as a punishment, but as a gift of protection – one that was meant to defend her, but ultimately failed.

Medusa is portrayed as a doe, covered by a lavender robe – an animal symbolising innocence, surrounded by a colour associated with purity and cleansing. From the depths of the water emerges Poseidon: a catfish that gulps everything into its giant mouth. They are observed by Athena, portrayed as her namesake owl. The scene is set in the early evening, under a bridge in the heart of a city. These are the last moments of Medusa’s life as a human. She is surrounded by the safety of familiarity, and the one to whom she dedicated her life is nearby. But none of that saved her from her fate.

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