While doing the reading for this module on feminism, I thought a lot about the MeToo movement and one of the many stories I had read about it. This particular story centered around Medusa and Harvey Weinstein. The myth of Medusa is sad and fits in with the MeToo movement and the actions of Harvey Weinstein. Before we get into any of the other details, let's take a look at the myth of Medusa and the MeToo movement.
From the book Greek Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook by Live Albert, Medusa was one of three Gorgon sisters and daughters of the sea. Medusa's story has changed throughout mythology but Hesiod and Ovid both tell of her being raped by Poseidon. In Ovid's tale, she was a priestess of Athena and worshiped in Athena's temple when she is raped by Poseidon. Athena is offended and because she can't punish Poseidon, she punishes Medusa by giving her snakes for hair and a gaze that turns men to stone. The male gaze is very present and it could be said that even Athena takes part in it. However, some say Athena's curse was a gift, a way for Medusa to be able to protect herself. Now let's get to the MeToo movement.
From MeToomvmt.org, the MeToo movement was founded in 2006 by survivor and activist Tarana Burke and the #metoo went viral in 2017 due to reports of sexual abuse by Harvey Weinstein. This led to the creation and display of Luciano Garbati's Medusa With the Head of Perseus across the street from the New York County Criminal Courthouse where it was on display through April of 2021.
Benvenuto Cellini's sculpture of the demigod Perseus holding the severed head of Medusa shows a monster slain for a hero to complete a quest. The sculpture of Medusa holding the severed head of Perseus made several centuries later, shows a victim of assault victorious over yet another man trying to use her for his wants. Medusa stood in front of the very courthouse in New York where Harvey Weinstein stood trial for several assaults against women.
The creation of the new Medusa sculpture fits into the MeToo era and the era of third-wave feminism. The new Medusa sculpture shows a woman taking back agency and standing watch over where other women have told their stories of assault by a powerful man. The sculpture was created by Luciano Garbati in 2008. In an article from Smithsonian Magazine, Garbati said of his sculpture "There are lots of depictions of Medusa, and they are always describing the myth at its worst. What would it look like, her victory, not his? How should that sculpture look?"
What do you think of the creation of Medusa With the Head of Perseus?
It was very interesting to read your post about "Medusa with the Head of Perseus." I hadn't heard about this new sculpture, or the story behind it. It's an interesting way to flip the story of Medusa on its head (haha) and see it from a different feminist perspective. If we heard Medusa's tale from a woman, or even from Medusa herself, I'm sure it would be much different. Linking the #MeToo movement with Medusa's story in this artistic way creates an impactful image and message of women taking back their power after being used by men.
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