Cameron Pohl is a professional tattoo artist, whose work was featured on Season 12 of Ink Master. In the following article, Cam Pohl explains Medusa tattoos, their meaning, and why these designs are so popular on social media, and within the female body art community.
Every individual who gets a tattoo, does so for various reasons, whether based on symbolism or simply aesthetic taste. However, the growing popularity of Medusa tattoos would appear to stem largely from one commonly shared interpretation of the image explains Cameron Pohl.
Due to Medusa's portrayal in mythology, a number of women choose to ink this design as a symbol of strength and survival. Others ink themselves with images of the Gorgon out of solidarity or simply to hop on a currently popular trend.
Cameron Pohl explains that because of the highly sensitive nature of the subject, it is important for people to develop a sense of awareness before choosing to receive a Medusa tattoo or commenting on another person's.
What Medusa Tattoos Mean
In numerous variations of the Medusa myth, the central character did not begin life as a monster. She was instead a beautiful woman turned into a ghastly creature by Athena after she was assaulted by Poseidon in Athena's temple.
Cam Pohl explains that some literary critics relate Medusa's monstrous transformation to the punishing repression women experience under the male gaze. While many see Medusa as a metaphor for women deemed incomplete or troubled, others interpret the character as a personification of the perceived stigma associated with surviving trauma.
Cameron Pohl says that due to these differing interpretations of the myth, Medusa tattoos may take on a wide variety of meanings depending upon the ink bearer in question. These meanings, and the reason people choice to get these tattoos, vary as much as the individual themselves. Some reasons include:
- A symbol of strength among trauma survivors
- Sympathy and solidarity with survivors, especially of a friend, or someone they love
- Assertion that society does not determine a woman's validity
- A talisman of protection against assault or general repression
- A simple love of mythology, serpents, or superpowered women
Why Medusa Tattoos are Popular
According to organization RAINN,
more than 16% of women in the United States alone fall victim to assault within their lifetime. While such statistics have been around for decades, they started becoming a daily talking point in 2006 when the #MeToo movement drew global attention to the voices of survivors.
Cameron Pohl says that when social media started drawing attention to these statistics, women began showing strength and solidarity in various forms. Medusa tattoos accounted for merely one of many ways to symbolize this shared bond among women.
Medusa tattoos snowballed even more in popularity when users began sharing them on TikTok as of late. Cam Pohl reports that recently, a TikTok search for "Medusa tattoo" shows 22.8 million views for this search query. By contrast, "Poseidon tattoo" has been searched only 13.2 million times. The Gorgon has clearly overcome her assailant in terms of popularity.
Of course, Cam Pohl explains that social media prevalence means that potentially fewer customers may actually be showing up to the tattoo parlor in support of trauma survival. Some tattoo collectors may simply notice the trend and wish to join the bandwagon. Nonetheless, the snake-maned maiden remains a strong symbol of womanhood for those aware of her mythological roots.
Advice for Tattoo Artists and Customers
Cameron Pohl says that given the intimate nature of the symbolism behind many Gorgon tattoos, both tattoo artists and everyday inquisitors are advised to tread lightly when asking someone inked with the Medusa why they chose to receive that particular design. Just because someone chooses to receive the tattoo does not mean they wish to have a vulnerable discussion about it.
While this should technically apply for any tattoo (or really any conversation topic), not all people are exceptionally skilled in the art of respecting boundaries. To minimize the risk of discomfort, tattoo professional artists offer
a few tips on how tattoos for can have personal meanings for the individuals, and they may not want to explain the reasons why they’ve chosen said design. Some things to consider:
- Think about whether the tattoo's location may provoke intrusive commentary
- Never feel obligated to answer questions if uncomfortable
- Look for an artist with good reviews, and who may be sensitive to the relevant issues
- Try finding artists who frequently design Medusa tattoos and may understand their significance
Above all, those who choose to ink their body with a design with so many meanings, well, that the final choice is theirs. Be sure to do research on the various meanings of the design, and placement on the body. After all, body art is meant to be an outward symbol of self-expression.
Tips:
Tattoo artists or tattoo shops can customize this Medusa image into tattoo stickers, and people can simply stick them on their skin without pain. What's more, tattoo stickers are also easy to remove without pain. In addition, for tattoo shops, the tattoo patterns can be converted into stickers with the shop's logo, which will satisfy people's love for these patterns. In addition, these logo stickers can also promote the tattoo shop!
Conclusion
Feminism forms a mainspring for the growing popularity of Medusa tattoos. This does not mean that women who simply enjoy the aesthetic should feel as if they aren't allowed to hop on the bandwagon; however, understanding the symbolic importance goes a long way in showing respect for those who have survived trauma.
