Cultural expectations of how a woman should look and behave, in the home and in public, have gone through many evolutions since Barbie was introduced to the US in 1959. While we have moved through second and third wave feminism into a politicized fourth wave of women’s liberation, societal expectations of women have only grown more substantial. Not only are we expected to be educated, successful and driven but pretty, thin and classy while we work. Barbie, who has been a controversial, but very real, role model for adolescent females over the last 57 years, has not been immune to her own growing and solidifying set of cultural expectations.

Over 150 countries around the world know “who” Barbie is. She is freakishly beautiful, uber-girly, stylish, prim and a bit ditsy. Her favorite color is pink and she has closeted gay boyfriend, Ken. While being perfectly, coiffed and styled she can “Be Anything!” including an astronaut, doctor or chef. But why should Barbie be excluded from the feminist movement? Doesn’t she have the right to be less than perfect? To be a college drop-out, a tom boy, make bad life choices, explore her sexuality and “Be” a little more real?

Fun facts about my art -

My photography is digital and uses very minimal post-processing. The photos are created through a combination of careful staging, costuming and lighting to ensure that the photo taken is the most true and authentic shot of the scene. 

I design and build all of my environments and props. So far this has included; an alley, a dumpster, toilet paper rolls, PBR cans, a bathroom vanity, a cigarette package and magazines. I had to buy mini handcuffs, but I’m not complaining!

Each doll has a rich background and personality that plays out through selfies and social media type “lifestyle” photography. Check out the doll's profiles here.

I find immense joy in the irony of using Barbie to explore feminist theory. Barbie, as a kitschy ideal beauty or representational of real women, has injected humor and levity into work that explores the continued struggle women face in a patriarchal society.  

I need to share the dolls with my two kids. This “sharing” has led to arguments about whose turn it is to play with the dolls and if the white lace skirt is actually mine or my daughter’s.