Pandora 

Cherice Bock, “‘Hope’ in ancient Greek: Pandora and the Greek goddess Elpis”,  2016

In this essay, I will explore Cherice Bock's artwork titled “"Hope" in ancient Greek: Pandora and the Greek goddess Elpis”. This piece is a modern depiction of the ancient myth of Pandora, a central figure in Greek mythology discussed in class that was known for her role in unleashing evil into the world. The artwork vividly captures the message behind the myth and offers a contemporary interpretation that reflects both historical and modern perspectives on human intention and the origins of suffering.

Pandora, according to Greek mythology, was the first woman created by the gods, and she was able to demonstrate beauty and charm to various deities. As narrated in Hesiod's "Works and Days," Pandora was given a jar (which after doing some research and seeing different versions of the myth, it is also referred to as a box) that contained all the evils of the world. Despite warnings, she intentionally opened the jar, releasing these evils and leaving only hope trapped inside. This act is an example of how actions can lead to unintended consequences, serving as a way that explains the  presence of suffering in the world.

Cherice Bock's artwork is able to capture this myth with unique visuals. In the piece, Pandora is depicted opening a patterned jar from which scorpions and bugs emerge, beginning to crawl over her body and into the surrounding air. This imagery demonstrates the myth's theme of how the evils released by Pandora’s actions are  pervasive and overwhelming. The scorpions and bugs symbolize the various forms of suffering and misfortune that humanity has to endure, providing a visual metaphor for the impact of Pandora's intentional acts.

The title of the artwork, "Hope" in ancient Greek, relates to hope, which symbolizes Elpis, the goddess of hope in Greek mythology. Combining the idea of hope with the release of evil highlights the duality of Pandora's story since while her actions brought great suffering, they also left humanity with the potential for hope. This element of the myth suggests that despite evil existing, hope remains a fundamental aspect of the human experience.

Bock's interpretation of the Pandora myth speaks to modern audiences by emphasizing the themes of intention and consequence. Today, as we continue to push the boundaries of knowledge and technology, Pandora's story serves as a reminder of the potential risks of our actions. The artwork encourages viewers to think about the balance between exploration and caution, since it could have scary consequences.

Additionally, Bock's portrayal of Pandora is complex. Rather than showing her as being disobedient, the artwork presents her as a multifaceted character. The expression on her face and the dynamic composition suggest a mix of awe, horror, and regret, which aligns with modern interpretations of mythological figures, which often explore their psychological ways of thinking and acting.

In conclusion, Cherice Bock's "Hope" in ancient Greek: Pandora and the Greek goddess Elpis is a powerful representation of the Pandora myth. By focusing on the moment Pandora opens the jar and releases the evils, Bock's artwork conveys the themes of being intentional, understanding consequences, and the persistence of hope. This piece honors the ancient origins of the myth while providing a relevant commentary on contemporary issues, making it a valuable addition to the discussion about human intentions and the consequences of our actions.

Works Cited: Hesiod. Works and Days. Translated by Hugh G. Evelyn-White, Harvard University Press, 1914.