Pavlina Vagioni: Medusa Unraveling

Installation view, Pavlina Vagioni: Medusa Unraveling at The Opening.

By WM STAFF August 4, 2024

Greek artist Pavlina Vagioni’s research-based practice centers on female mythological archetypes and how the development of language has affected our interpretation of these figures over time.

For her first exhibition in New York, Medusa Unraveling, currently on view at The Opening Gallery in Tribeca, Vagioni focuses on one of the most intriguing and well-known mythological figures, the Gorgon Medusa, and the complex narrative surrounding her lore.

Through extensive study of historical texts—ranging from 19th-century scholar Athanasios Stageiritis’s untranslated work, Ogygia, to Jungian concepts of snake symbolism—Vagioni has constructed a non-revisionist linguistic timeline of the Medusa archetype.These insights were then visually reinterpreted into composite wall works that examine the myth and reality of Medusa’s symbolism, offering a fascinatingly accurate portrayal of the illustrious and multifaceted figure, and her contemporary relevance.

Medusa Unraveling will be on view through August 10, 2024.

Installation view, Pavlina Vagioni: Medusa Unraveling at The Opening.

WM: Your current body of work focuses on the Gorgon Medusa and the storied history of the figure/archetype. What inspired you to focus on this subject?

PAVLINA VAGIONI: The Medusa series grew from my research on dangerous female mythological figures. A pivotal moment was at a Houston reptilian show, where handling snakes changed my view of them from fearsome to fascinating. This hands-on experience connected me deeply to Medusa's essence. I extensively photographed the snakes' patterns and textures, which became the foundation for my work. This encounter helped me bridge myth and reality, allowing me to approach Medusa's story freshly. I wanted to challenge traditional portrayals and invite viewers to see Medusa - and perhaps themselves - in a new light.

Your process entails studying scholarly and literary texts. What texts were used in this series?

My research spans centuries, starting with Athanasios Stageiritis's “Ogygia” volumes on Mediterranean mythologies. I explored snake symbolism through various sources and studied Jungian concepts, focusing on Neumann's "Fear of the Feminine." For contemporary perspectives, I read Hedgecock's "Cultural Reflections of Medusa" and Glassner's "The Culture of Fear." These diverse sources helped me connect this classical myth to current issues about female power and societal fears. I aimed to translate these complex ideas into visually compelling works that resonate intellectually and emotionally.

Installation view, Pavlina Vagioni: Medusa Unraveling at The Opening.

What does your etymological analysis process look like?

Etymology is crucial in uncovering hidden meanings in myths. I traced Medusa's name to 'μέδω' (medo), meaning "to rule and protect." This changed my view of her from a monster to a protective figure. I also explored her family's names, each revealing themes of strength and oceanic symbolism. This word exploration uncovers meanings lost over time or in translation. These insights form the basis of my visual reinterpretations, challenging viewers to reconsider what they think they know about Medusa.

From studying the texts, what were your findings on the Medusa archetype?

My research revealed Medusa as deeply complex, embodying both threat and protection, wisdom and instinct. The use of her image as an amulet in antiquity suggests she was respected, not just feared. In Euripides' play "Ion," her blood is both healing and deadly, emphasizing this duality. Her snake hair connects to ancient healing traditions. In today's context, Medusa's story speaks to discussions about female power, societal fears, and our dark side. She challenges us to look beyond simple ideas of good and evil.

Installation view, Pavlina Vagioni: Medusa Unraveling at The Opening.

How has the Medusa trope evolved over time?

Medusa's story has changed significantly over time. She started as a sea danger symbol or earth goddess, later representing female intuition. Romans added the story of her transformation from a beautiful woman to a monster. In psychology, she came to symbolize our subconscious and the anima (Femme Fatale). Today, she often symbolizes feminine rage and resilience. Her story's enduring power lies in its flexibility - each era finds new meaning. In my work, I focus on earlier versions of the myth, exploring feminine power, intuitive wisdom, and the nature of fear.

How is this information visually translated into your works?

Most of my works are round, referencing the ancient Gorgoneion. Their earth-tone palette reflects the snake's earthly symbolism, while the gallery's blue walls serendipitously enhance these warm hues and allude to Medusa's oceanic lineage. The forms in my work are organic and intertwined, like coiling snakes. I even used mathematical concepts from Knot Theory to create some pieces, adding layers of complexity. A central fiber sculpture in the gallery space reverses the traditional Medusa imagery: Instead of a woman's head with snake hair, it is a snake made of synthetic hair knitted into diamond patterns. The snake's head is cast aluminum of my own hands, arranged like a snake puppet. This humorous work challenges viewers to think about the nature of fear. Depending on the viewing angle, there's also a subtle reference to female anatomy. Throughout the exhibition, I play with these dualities – protection and threat, wisdom and instinct – inviting new perspectives on Medusa and her relevance today. WM