Weaving Oppression. Mythology and Meaning

Mars is a 4 year senior at Dublin School. This year he’s taking Senior Project where he’s taking on the project of researching 3 female figures from Greek mythology and writing a research paper and weaving a tapestry for each. Mars got into weaving during a J-term; he also values fiber arts because of their association with women through history. These works are done from an analytical feminist perspective where he explores history that has limited records. 

Women are often written out of history and ignored. He wants to use this project to bring light to underrepresented perspectives throughout history, specifically those of women. He’s also used this project to improve his weaving skills which he learned he found comfort and enjoyment in during junior year. In addition to his weaving skills, he has developed his literary analysis skills and deepened his learning through helpful interviews and connecting with local artists. His end goal for his project is to have 3 fully finished woven tapestries, one in a simpler 2-D design, the second with more advanced and complex color patterns, and the last a 3-D piece. The first piece of these 3 depicts Penelope, representing and commenting on traditional gender roles. The second depicts Circe, representing empowerment and subversion, and finally the third depicts Arachne, representing and bringing to light patriarchal repression and the consequences of self-sufficiency.

To go with each of these he will have 3 finished analytical essays evaluating the stories of women throughout Greek history and mythology as well as artist’s statements for each work. The work Mars does in this class will benefit him in his future studies as he will have a larger base of knowledge to work from and more experience analyzing history, literature and art through a feminist lens.