Dolling up the lens: Barbie

A curated international photography exhibition

December 14, 2023 – January 6, 2024

The Barbie phenomenon, spanning over six decades, has left an indelible mark on our culture. It has been a source of inspiration, sparking imaginations, while also evoking strong criticism for its potential impact on body image, self-perception, and identity. Unlike traditional dolls, Barbie emerged as an adult figure, presenting a complete spectrum of allure and sexuality, thus embodying a symbol of beauty and desire. Barbie’s world-building transcended mere play; it resembled the art of theater production and film direction, akin to the creative process behind staged photography. Barbie, in her own right, can be seen as an early physical avatar, foreshadowing the virtual avatars prevalent in today’s digital realm. Even contemporary video games draw upon the imaginative foundations laid by Barbie. Our upcoming exhibition proudly features the works of two distinguished anchor artists, Luca Gőbölyös (https://lucagobolyos.net) and Suzanne Nagy (http://www.suzannenagy.net) alongside carefully curated selections from the submissions we received.

Curator’s choice

Lee na Holmström: Apple Tree Doll No. 1.

Nicole Houff: Beauty Salon Barbie

The two curator’s choice awards correspond to the classic Barbie images and the creative interpretations of the Barbie phenomenon.

Honourable mentions

Gary Justis and Lyzz Lundberg Sidebotham: Barbie Artifact #1

John Kosmer: Barbie On A Country Drive With Sal, Winky & Bailey

Susana Ghidara de Oeyen: Boa Constrictor

Exhibiting photographers

Laurie J. Blanksma (Hoquiam, WA, USA), Robert Brook (Shrewsbury, UK), Eva Brunner (Concept: Bernhard Kempen a.k.a. Barbara, Berlin, Germany), Stephen Burdett (Adelaide, Australia), Beki Cowey (Guisborough, UK), Tiffany Gholar (Chicago, IL, USA), Leena Holmström (Oulu, Finland), Nicole Houff (Minneapolis, MN, USA), Cynthia Isakson (Houston, TX, USA), Gary Justis and Lyzz Lundberg Sidebotham (Bloomington, IL, USA), Paul Kessel (New York, NY, USA), John Kosmer (Fly Creek, NY, USA), Tom Laurence (Urbana, IL, USA), Dan McCormack (Accord, NY, USA), Robert Morrissey (Portland, OR, USA), Susana Ghidara de Oeyen (Buenos Aires, Argentina), Léna Piani (Ajaccio, France), Bárbara Plesky (Buenos Aires, Argentina), Karen Safer (Playa del Rey, CA, USA), Elena Santucci (Corciano, Italy), Cerrina Smith (Cheyenne, WY, USA), Leanne Trivett S. (Johnson City, TN, USA), Ash van Dyck (Halls Gap, VIC, Australia), Ingrid-Nathalie Wizun (Montreuil, France)

Please click on the names to see contact information (website or e-mail) where available.

The copyright of each image on this site is held by the photographer.

Curator's choice

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Honourable mentions

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