Buenos Aires holidays This article is more than 8 years oldControversial religious Barbie doll exhibition opens in Buenos Aires
This article is more than 8 years oldBarbies dressed as saints, Ken on the cross and Johnny Depp at the Last Supper … artists face down protest and unveil Barbie: The Plastic Revolution exhibition
After almost a year’s delay following opposition and outcry from churchgoers and rightwing activists, Emiliano Pool Paolini and Marianela Perelli, two artists from Rosario in Argentina, have finally unveiled Barbie: The Plastic Revolution, part of the Saints and Sinners exhibition at a small gallery in Buenos Aires’ La Boca district.
The exhibition, which opened on Saturday at Popa Galeria, includes various other works by the artists. One room is devoted to the Barbie dolls in religious guises, another shows a selection of paintings of famous characters who have sinned in some way, and a new series, My Own Jesus, has 14 unique depictions of Christ.
In The Plastic Religion room, 33 Barbie and Ken dolls appear as popular Latin American saints or religious figures, from the Virgin of Lujan (Argentina’s patron saint) and Mary Magdalen to Moses, Saint George on a plastic horse and the Grim Reaper. Some are displayed in customised Mattel packaging, others in illuminated cabinets. Crucified Ken is nailed to a wooden cross, complete with flowing locks and loincloth, while Buddha Ken sits on the floor in the lotus position.
A large painting on the wall is a tongue-in-cheek representation of the Last Supper, with the 12 disciples replaced by celebrities including Johnny Depp and Andy Warhol. Bottles of 7Up and Pepsi litter the table and a large Mary in the background is clutching a Barbie doll in each hand and has the Mattel logo emblazoned on her chest.
Each doll’s outfit has been painstakingly made, with Mariela and Pool drawing inspiration from the rigorous detailing and perfectionism employed by artisans in the past to represent Mary and other saints in statue form. The artists argue that there are parallels: these effigies were the Barbies of the pre-consumerist era.
The artists, who say they are both religious and spiritual people, were surprised and frightened by the controversy their works caused. “We chose Barbie and Ken because they’re considered pop icons worldwide,” said Marianela. “A year ago, we weren’t ready to deal with how our work was being misinterpreted. After much deliberation we felt the need to exhibit the series, and we only gave 10 days’ notice to limit the negative repercussions”.
The exhibition can be viewed every Saturday until the end of November or by appointment at Popa Galerian de Arte, Calle Gregorio Aráoz de Lamadrid 882. All of the works are for sale, and dolls are also available to order
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