Abstract
Medusa Tattoos: Feminist Embodiment and the Transformation of a Classical Myth examines the evolving meaning of Medusa's iconography across time, tracing her transformation from a vilified mythological figure into a contemporary symbol of empowerment for sexual assault survivors. Drawing on a range of sources including literary works, works of art, and personal accounts ascertained through semi-structured interviews, this study explains how Medusa tattoos have become closely associated with surviving sexual violence. Employing a qualitative interdisciplinary methodology, this research combines art historical iconographic analysis, comparative literary analysis, and narrative analysis of personal accounts. These approaches are grounded in feminist and trauma theory, allowing for a nuanced examination of how Medusa’s image has been reinterpreted over time and how her image has come to be associated with survival and empowerment within contemporary tattoo culture.
This study argues that Medusa tattoos function as a form of feminist embodiment, enabling individuals to reclaim their bodies in the aftermath of trauma. By inking Medusa onto their own bodies, wearers participate in an ongoing process of mythmaking that redefines her story as one of resilience rather than silence which has remained a pervasive issue in the battle against sexual violence. This research contributes to the field of art history by expanding the scope of iconographic analysis to include contemporary, lived experiences, demonstrating how Medusa's myth is politically resonant and a significant symbol for institutional change.