Curios About: The Fury by Heather Thompson

This work depicts one of the Furies of Greek mythology, “terrifying women” who “represent merciless justice”, the artist writes. This is just a detail – click through to see the full image.

The Fury
By Heather Thompson
Micron pen and gold-gilt paint, A3

1. This work is … a representation of one of the Erinyes, the Furies of Greek mythology. They hunt and torment those who have harmed their family (among other crimes). This piece exhibited in the Bernard Shaw, and I like to think it unnerved people a tiny bit while they were having their pints.

2. I made this work because … I’ve been fascinated with the Furies since I saw them in Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series about ten years ago. I’ve always been obsessed with Greek mythology and these terrifying women just appealed to me in some black-humoured way. To me they represent merciless justice.

3. I hope when people see this work they will … feel a confusing blend of awe, lust, and fear.

4. In terms of art history, this work … In the 19th century, John Singer Sargent and William-Adolphe Bouguereau both painted the Furies pursuing Orestes after he murders his mother in revenge for the death of his father. You can also find depictions of them in ancient pottery and frescoes. The Erinyes featured in ancient Greek art, often depicted as three women who were servants of Hades, god of the underworld. They were said to be even older than the Olympian gods, with wings, blackened skin, serpents in their hair and long claws.

5. You can see my work … on Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, and heatherthompson.ie.

“Curios About …” is a series featuring works by Dublin artists. Each artist is asked to submit an image of one work and answer a set of questions about it. We’d love it if you’d submit something you’ve made, here.