Acrylic on Canvas. 18″ x 24″
In Greek mythology, Sirens are portrayed as dangerous and seductive bird-women who use their bewitching music and voices to lure sailors to their island. In the Odyssey, Homer paints a harrowing picture of the Sirens situated amidst mounds of decaying corpses. Odysseus, physically bound to his boat, is able to pass by the island without plunging into the mass grave destined for so many others. I wonder if these cursed “monsters” feel empowered by their deadly gift and take pleasure in the capture of their victims and their ensuing deaths. Or perhaps, they feel trapped by their fate and pained by their inability to change it.
I am fascinated by the contradiction inherent to the Siren. Though she possesses both physical and vocal beauty–gifts that would normally bring her great worldly satisfaction–she is unable to enjoy the fruits of such gifts (love, affection, adoration, etc…). Though she is designed to seduce men, she can never have them–only their corpses. She is the true victim in this myth. Instead of understanding the Siren as a “monster” that relishes her victories over mankind (the popular perception), I understand her as a slave to her curse, forever unable to experience the joys of life.
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