‘Baphomet Barbie’ by Argentinian artists Marianela Perelli and Pool Paolini.
In 2014 Argentina-based artists Marianela Perelli and Pool Paolini “redesigned” 33 Barbie, Ken and Skipper dolls into various historical religious figures such as Judas, Jesus, the Virgin Mary, Buddha and Baphomet among others. The figures were a part of a show called “Barbie, the Plastic Religion” and as you might imagine there was a contentious backlash to Perelli and Paolini modified Barbie’s. Though it’s important to note that the talented pair presented one of their Barbies to Pope Francis which he accepted. So there’s that.
Though fans of organized religion will likely hurl the word “blasphemous” around when it comes to Perelli and Paolini’s plastic “gods” the artists have been very clear about their intentions, which believe it or not came from a positive place. Here’s more on that:
Provocation is part of our life and what we do, but it’s harmless, constructive and without bad intentions. Barbie and the Plastic religion came from a place of peace and love, and mutual respect for all spiritual, religious beliefs.
The exhibit is now on display at the La Luz de Jesus Gallery on Hollywood Boulevard through the end of December. In other good news the figures in the show as well as paintings, Ken as Santa (or “San Nicholas”) a Barbie and Ken nativity scene and the holy trinity of Ken as Krishna, Buddha and Jesus rolling around in a Barbie Porsche 911 can be yours if you’re flush enough. I’ve included loads of images from the show below as well as an amusing video featuring a fake “Barbie” commercial that must be seen to be believed.
‘Christo.’
‘Santa Veronica.’
‘Judas.’
‘Krishna.’
‘Saint Germain.’ Theosophists believe in higher beings who direct the course of humankind called the Ascended Masters. According to these beliefs, St. Germain was a mysterious manifestation of the “resurrected” spirit of Sir Francis Bacon.
A Skipper doll as the ‘Virgen De Lourdes.’
‘Buddha.’
‘San Nicolas.’
‘Jesus.’
‘Juan Diego.’ Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, also known as Juan Diegotzil was a native of Mexico and is noted to be the first Roman Catholic indigenous saint from the Americas.
Krishna, Buddha and Jesus tooling around in a Barbie 911 porsche.
Barbie and Ken ‘Nativity Scene.’ Awww.
An awesome faux commercial featuring kids playing with a crucified Jesus Ken doll.
HT: Hi Fructose
Previously on Dangerous Minds:
Behold the ‘New Romantic’ Barbie: A vintage ‘Boy George’ doll straight from 1984
Sacrilicious! Our Barbie of Guadalupe meets Crucified Ken