Medusa Medusa was Defending Herself (2013) Silkscreen print, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow layers by Heather Waterfield.

This project stems from the Greek Myth of Medusa. Medusa is an example among many historical figures whose story has been twisted to suit society’s general opinion. Most of us are taught in school that Medusa was an evil cursed creature with snakes for hair who turned heroic men to stone with her deadly stare. The lesser known side of the story, is that Medusa was raped by a man named Poseidon, before being ‘blessed’ (or cursed) by Goddess Athena with this ability to turn men to stone as a way of protecting herself from the brutality of men. I was shocked how such a huge part had been left out of Medusa’s story that began with sexual assault, had been removed from the school curriculum.

On discovering the true story of Medusa aged 25, it felt poignant for me, as unfortunately like 99% of women, I’d unfortunately experienced sexual assault on numerous occasions myself, something I never spoke-up about until a few years after the rise of the Me Too movement.

Rape culture should be a part of history, we are taught only of the ‘hero’ Hercules, who slay the beast Medusa and cut off her evil head. This project celebrates this iconic image of Medusa, who’s true story is slowly coming out, and now serves as a reminder that women throughout history have been abused by men, yet punished and ostracised for it. Today women are still shamed into silence, this project positions Medusa as a symbol for empowering women to open up about their experiences of sexual assault, and continue the MeToo movement despite the inevitable backlash from men unable to see their own misogynistic beliefs and actions.

Below: Medusa was Defending Herself - Pattern Design (2013). Etching Prints using metal plate, designed, etched and printed by Heather Waterfield.