Icons of Defiance

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This new series delves into the mythological figures of Scylla, Charybdis, Medusa, Chimera, Lamia, and the Sphinx—female monsters long portrayed as symbols of danger and destruction. Drawing from Debbie Felton's essay on the monstrous feminine, the work examines how these creatures embody ancient fears of women’s power, rage, and defiance—fears that resonate even today.

Medusa, in particular, stands out as a figure whose name continues to be weaponised to demonise women. These lingering cultural anxieties remind us that the 'monstrous feminine' is not confined to myth but persists in contemporary attitudes towards female strength and rebellion.

Through collage and markmaking, Tracy Satchwill reimagines these mythical women, weaving together elements of strength and vulnerability. Traces of breasts and vulvas are subtly embedded within the pieces, challenging their monstrous portrayal and revealing their humanity.

Surreal and quirky in style, the series invites a reconsideration of these fierce figures, not as villains but as icons of untamed power and resilience.

These works celebrate Angela Merkel and Hillary Clinton—two extraordinary women who have navigated the complexities of political power while enduring relentless public scrutiny and demonisation. Both women were labelled “Medusa” during their careers, a name weaponised to diminish their authority and power.

Created using collage and mixed media, the artworks embrace the clash between the messiness of gestural watermarks and the precision of collaged elements. This interplay of chaos and control mirrors the tension between rebellion and conformity—a central theme in the way women in power are perceived.

Inspired by the Medusa myth, their faces are surrounded by serpentine forms, reframing this imagery to challenge how society vilifies women in power. Medusa, a potent symbol of female rage and resilience, mirrors the way narratives are used to suppress and control women who defy expectations.

By connecting ancient myths with modern realities, these works reimagine Merkel and Clinton as icons of defiance and strength—celebrated for their resilience, rather than reduced to monstrous caricatures.