Proceedings of the International scientific and practical conference ―Science and Society‖ (February 26-28, 2026) / Publisher website: www.naukainfo.com. – Kharkiv, Ukraine, 2026. - 355 p.

336 considering them a mark of barbarism. Historical sources, such as the works of Herodotus, describe how tattoos were used to denote social status and as a means of controlling individuals who violated social norms [6]. On the other hand, researchers emphasize the evolution of tattoo perceptions over time. With the advent of Christianity in Greece, tattoos became associated with sin and were prohibited, but in the 20th century, they gained new recognition as a form of art and self-expression. Modern tattoos, practiced in various social and cultural contexts, illustrate how this practice has transformed from a symbol of punishment to a means of individual identity and aesthetic expression. Thus, the article highlights the complex journey of tattoos in human history, from stigma to recognized art, noting their place within cultural and social contexts [6]. A study combining content and discourse analysis of contemporary visual practices emphasizes the importance of traditional images in Greek mythological tattoo iconography. Central to this are canonically attributed deities such as Zeus with lightning and an eagle, Athena with her symbols of the owl, helmet, and aegis, and Poseidon with the trident and maritime attributes. Special attention is also given to the enduring image of Medusa Gorgon, whose symbolism has significantly evolved since the early 20th century. While she was previously regarded as a demonized monster, in contemporary contexts, Medusa increasingly represents female subjectivity and embodies social experiences related to traumatic events. Art-historical studies dedicated to the evolution of the Gorgon‘s symbolism and iconography document significant shifts in her perception: from initial grotesqueness to a more humanized image. This reinterpretation is reflected in contemporary popular art, including the diversity of tattoo culture [1; 4]. Professional literature and practical guidelines also note technical trends and stylistic innovations aimed at enhancing the detailing of classical symbols. In particular, realistic and neo-realistic approaches using 'sculptural' rendering, blackwork technique, and fine line have gained popularity. These styles ensure clear and durable depictions of symbols. For example, the use of fine 3RL contours for portraits of deities and detailed attributes has become the subject of specialized studies [5]. Additionally, meticulously