Pandora Unboxed
An Exhibition by the Youth Panel
From September to December 2024, young people in Reading (the Youth Panel) met one evening each month to respond to, and reinterpret, Pandora by John Dickson Batten. They discussed the original Greek myth of Pandora and considered the ways in which this artist chose to represent her story.
Many questions were asked: Why is Pandora naked? Why is the blacksmith, Hephaestus, gazing at her so intently? Why is the woman dressed in blue looking at us?
Inspired by Pandora, the Youth Panel created individual, artistic responses to this painting using egg tempera – the original paint medium that Batten chose in the early 20th century. They also took on the role of Art Curators, organising the layout of this exhibition and writing their own labels.
What do you think of their re-interpretations? Has Pandora been unboxed?
Our Youth Panel, for young people aged 14 – 18, offers collective opportunities across The MERL and Reading Museum as part of Museums Partnership Reading’s programme, supported by Arts Council England.
Pandora’s Box
In Greek mythology, Pandora’s box was a gift from the gods to Pandora, the first woman on earth. It contained all the evils of the world, which were released when Pandora opened the box. Instead of focusing on the figure of Pandora (as many other artists in this exhibition did) Eva has chosen to concentrate on Pandora’s box.
‘Pandora’s box’ is used today a metaphor for something that brings about great troubles or misfortune, but also holds hope.
The Secret Lives of Colour
In my depiction of Pandora, I wanted to experiment with the medium of egg tempera, which I haven’t used before. I used every possible colour that was on offer, creating a rainbow-like background. My Pandora does not have a mouth, symbolising the fact that she is often voiceless.
Untitled
Phillippa (our Head of Learning and Engagement) helped facilitate the Youth Panel workshops. She had not experimented with egg tempera before and chose to focus on Pandora’s face.
Box of Doom
Hola Amigos! Here is my artwork.
My art piece shows the doom and the evils of the world which Pandora released when she opened her box. Once opened, Pandora’s fate could not be reversed.
Abstract Interpretation
I chose to depict the creation of Pandora as the texture and colour of the blue reminded me of the night sky, reminiscent of Ancient Greek pottery too.
The myth varies on the topic of her creation, but one thing that all retellings have in common is that she was formed in space by the gods, so I have made an abstract piece in an attempt to show that.
The Light Within the Darkness
Drawing from John Dickson Batten’s painting, I have depicted Pandora in the same statuesque pose as when she was first formed from clay. Different to this representation of Pandora in the nude, however, I have clothed her in orange and blue fabric to make her appear less vulnerable. I consciously aligned the colour of the fabric with Batten’s to achieve the same eye-catching result. I have surrounded Pandora with the evils she unleashed from her box onto Earth, carefully layering the darker paint with a lighter shade, to symbolise the sense of hope that follows each misfortune.
Pandora in a Wheelchair
The story of Pandora is about a girl created by the Greek Gods. I have chosen to depict Pandora in a golden wheelchair to symbolise the beauty in her disabled body and that there is nothing ‘wrong’ with her as the non disabled so often view us. Does she have hair or not? This is to celebrate different bodies and how everyone’s unique appearance should be celebrated.
The words around the outside challenge the viewer to reconsider what they associate with being disabled and encourage them to normalise it. For this reason, I decided to call the girl Nora.
Of The Earth
In the myth, Pandora was created as the first woman. She was created by Hephaestus out of earth. As homo sapiens originated in Africa, I was inspired to depict Pandora as a Black woman.
The background is also inspired by Pandora’s origin. As she was created by Hephaestus, God of fire and blacksmiths, Pandora is framed by the flames of his forge. Blue light reaches down as the gods bestow their gifts upon Pandora.
Whispers of Pandora
The myth of Pandora is often seen as the origin of evil in the ancient world. Much like Eve in the Creation story, who ate the forbidden fruit, women have long been blamed for bringing sin and suffering into the world.
Pandora’s characterization is one-dimensional, her fate sealed from the moment of her birth. As the first mortal woman, how could she not resent the blame forced upon her? How could she accept that the only gift of humanity bestowed upon her led only to her destruction?
In my artwork, I depict both the Pandora created by the gods and her true self. I used eyeshadows as pigment to create a dreamlike, ethereal effect, symbolizing her beauty and fragility. The ‘true’ Pandora is rendered with a solid outline created by an oil marker, embracing herself in sympathetic self-reflection. While the gods may remain oblivious to her inner voice, through this painting, you might hear her thoughts.
Pandora’s Collage
For my piece, I have focused on Pandora’s face. In the original painting, she is depicted using muted colours. However, in mine, I have incorporated some of the more vibrant colours that were in the painting. I have added colours to her likeness too, in order to create a livelier portrait.