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Barbies Invade Classic Paintings To Bring Women Back Into Art History
These hand-painted Barbie dolls arranged to recreate famous paintings are the work of Catherine Théry. Their goal is to raise questions about beauty, intelligence, and women’s place in society – both then and now. In almost every painting, the Barbies have replaced the men in the originals.
Barbie dolls were launched in March 1959, and were inspired by a German doll called Bild Lili. Barbie was one of the first children’s doll that depicted an adult. Her name is based on the designer’s daughter’s name, Barbara. One of the common criticisms of Barbie is that she promotes an unrealistic idea of body image.
These barbies were recently exhibited at a gallery called Teodora in Paris under the title “Not the ones you think.”
More info: catherinethery.net (h/t: thisisnthappiness)
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“The Last Supper”, Leonardo da Vinci
“The Death of Marat”, Jacques-Louis David
“The Son of Man” René Magritte / “American Gothic”, Grant Wood
“Gabrielle d’Estrées et une de ses soeurs”, Unknown Artist
“The Two Fridas”, Frida Kahlo / “The Scream”, Edvard Munch
“The Creation of Adam”, Michelangelo
The Card Players, Cezanne
“Lunch on the Grass”, Édouard Manet
“The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp”, Rembrandt
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What do you think ?
CassieWilliams 10 years ago
I just don't get how putting Barbie dolls in place of subjects in classical artwork is supposed to "raise questions about beauty, intelligence, and women’s place in society". These pieces feel like they are doing precisely the opposite.
Laure 10 years ago
exactly what I thought, Barbie is the exact example of women not having a place in society. And «women» are replacing men in those art pieces. Fine, but there is a lot of art already depicting women. The work is interesting but it is really not raising those questions! I like the anatomy lesson though
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SallyVogel 10 years ago
Not worth the effort it took to create them. Didn't inspire me to think about women's place in society or history, just to wonder why anyone would demean the original works of art with Barbies.
CassieWilliams 10 years ago
I just don't get how putting Barbie dolls in place of subjects in classical artwork is supposed to "raise questions about beauty, intelligence, and women’s place in society". These pieces feel like they are doing precisely the opposite.
Laure 10 years ago
exactly what I thought, Barbie is the exact example of women not having a place in society. And «women» are replacing men in those art pieces. Fine, but there is a lot of art already depicting women. The work is interesting but it is really not raising those questions! I like the anatomy lesson though
Load More Replies... SallyVogel 10 years ago
Not worth the effort it took to create them. Didn't inspire me to think about women's place in society or history, just to wonder why anyone would demean the original works of art with Barbies.
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