Lucy May

Elpis takes its name from the Ancient Greek personification of hope and retells the myth of Pandora from a female perspective. Rather than the familiar story of a woman whose curiosity unleashed evil upon the world, Lucy May returns to the meaning of Pandora’s name, “all-giving”, and to the one thing that
remained within her vessel: hope. The work challenges the misogynistic legacy of the myth, presenting Pandora not as the cause of mankind’s suffering, but as a figure of protection, strength and life.

Drawing on classical mythology, Renaissance anatomical imagery and historical armour, Lucy combines the visual language of warfare with traditionally delicate couture and embroidery techniques. A bias-cut white muslin dress conceals a whitework uterus motif, while sculptural gold leather armour, helmet and accessories are embellished with goldwork, pearls, glass cabochons and symbolic details. Protective eyes, wheat ears and the Hercules knot reference protection, abundance and enduring strength.

By contrasting soft whitework and delicate dressmaking with leather, metal and armour, Elpis transforms objects associated with conflict into those of protection. Hope becomes something physically carried within the feminine body: concealed, resilient and ultimately life-giving.