Throughout history, representation of the Siren—a cautionary figure both feared and revered in ancient mythology—has been deeply intertwined with patriarchal narratives. Often depicted as a seductive temptress whose sole purpose is to lure men to their demise; the Siren traverses the thresholds of myth and reality. In this narrative, she serves as a warning against the perceived dangers of female allure and autonomy.

In Homer's epic poem, "The Odyssey," an existential dilemma is faced by Odysseus and his crew as they navigate the treacherous waters of the Sirens' island. Odysseus employs cunning and strategy to resist the Sirens' enchanting song: "Hear all! Fate hangs o’er all; on you it lies, To live or perish! to be safe, be wise!". It is a haunting reminder of the precarious balance between desire and self-preservation that defines the human experience.

Dee Smart's "SIREN" unfolds as a profound odyssey of a different kind. Here, in the murky depths of the internet, the allure of social media lures countless souls into a labyrinth of endless scrolling and digital distraction. Women are often cast unwillingly as modern-day Sirens—unattainable ideals of beauty and perfection that beckon from the other side of the phone screen. It is an impossible conundrum, as these women are simultaneously off-limits and omnipresent, tantalising and unattainable.

In an act of defiance, Smart reimagines powerful women throughout history to challenge the prevailing narrative of the Siren as a passive object of desire, instead casting her as a sovereign agent of change and transformation. Echoes of luminaries such as Audre Lorde and Bell Hooks reverberate through Smart's work, guiding us through the labyrinthine corridors of identity and resistance.

In Smart's portrayal, myth and reality converge. The Siren becomes a harbinger of empowerment, no longer a mere temptress. The timeless allure of these mythical creatures still takes shape, but instead hints at the untold stories and overlooked contributions of these women. Smart beckons us to heed the call of the Siren—inviting us to navigate the treacherous waters of our own humanity by reclaiming the archetype as a symbol of empowerment and self-possession.

Anthea Mentzalis
April, 2024