Mythos Redux

Cassia Chryssovergis

Area: Graphic Design

Thesis Statement

Mythology is a form of storytelling that is prevalent in all cultures. Though a myth’s characters and stories may vary depending on their origin, its purpose stays consistent. It serves an instrumental purpose in building a foundation to make sense of many unknowns, though often to the detriment of its female characters. Medusa, Morgan Le Fay, and Lilith are all mythological women who come from different cultures, and while their stories may differ to reflect each culture’s respective beliefs, they share experiences of degradation that negatively influence the way they are perceived. Stories in which powerful women are cheapened and dehumanized reflect and uphold a misogynistic society.

Through the physical form of diptychs, Mythos Redux uses iconographic symbolism to examine a selection of origin stories, embracing the power of the mythological women and re-writing them as strong figures to admire instead of dangerous women to suppress. Considering the duality of the diptych form, this thesis not only reminds the audience of the women’s first inceptions, but also directly compares the original writings to a redux, or revival, of their stories that focuses on embracing their power as mythological women.

The misogynistic reality of society is the reason monstrous versions of these women were conceived. From the perspective of a time that recognizes the problematic effects of the patriarchy, Mythos Redux seeks to free them from their villainous fate, instead recognizing them as strong figures to admire.