Meg McGrandle

In her own mythology, Leda can never be separated from the Swan and what it symbolises. The rape of Leda by Zeus is what defines her character, romanticised in media but in truth acting as a symbol of male forceful possession over women across history. This piece does not intend to separate Leda from the Swan, but to not let the actions of Zeus overwhelm her character as it is so often portrayed. The first costume depicts Leda as she is shown in media; as a possession of swan-like Zeus, shrouded in wedding white. To contrast, the second dress is Leda's own form. The blue of the dress may be diluted in places by the white coat of the swan, but is still notably blue, just as Leda should be portrayed as an individual person coerced into a violent situation, rather than a participant in a romantic affair, as it so often is painted.