Paula James

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About

Paula James is a leading scholar in classical reception and its intersection with contemporary media, whose work illuminates how ancient myths shape modern visual culture. Her research focuses on the enduring influence of Ovidian narratives, particularly the Pygmalion myth, in film, television, and digital art. In her most-cited paper, "Statues, Synths, and Simulacra: The Ovidian Contours of Screen Pygmalions" (2018, 17 citations), James offers a groundbreaking analysis of how Pygmalion’s story of creation and desire recurs in screen depictions of artificial beings—from statues to synths. This work demonstrates her ability to bridge classical philology with contemporary theory, revealing the myth’s resonance in debates about AI, gender, and authenticity. James’s contributions have been recognized for their interdisciplinary reach, influencing fields from film studies to digital humanities. Her scholarship not only deepens understanding of Ovid’s legacy but also provides a critical lens for examining modern anxieties about technology and identity, making her a vital voice for students and researchers exploring the ancient roots of our mediated world.