Everyone knows Medusa as the monster that turns men into stone, but we don’t often talk about how Medusa became a monster. She’s a victim of circumstance. One tragic event was a catalyst that caused her mutilation. I can relate to this as a Black woman because society labels us as the “angry black woman”, yet they don’t take accountability for their contribution to our stress. We feel anger due to societal pressures, pressures in our love life, work pressure, etc. However, when we express our feelings, we get chastised by society. In that perspective, the Black woman and Medusa are not so different.
12 × 16 in
Oil and ink on Canvas
2021
Everyone knows Medusa as the monster that turns men into stone, but we don’t often talk about how Medusa became a monster. She’s a victim of circumstance. One tragic event was a catalyst that caused her mutilation. I can relate to this as a Black woman because society labels us as the “angry black woman”, yet they don’t take accountability for their contribution to our stress. We feel anger due to societal pressures, pressures in our love life, work pressure, etc. However, when we express our feelings, we get chastised by society. In that perspective, the Black woman and Medusa are not so different.
12 × 16 in
Oil and ink on Canvas
2021