"Barbie 2023" is an abstract piece of art that was created in the context of the emerging feminist debates of the 2020s, which strongly challenged the social representations and beauty standards imposed on women.
This work is a penetrating critical reflection of these conventional beauty standards. The central figure, a slender, blonde woman resembling the Barbie doll, is presented as a "victim" of such ideals. She is bound to a small pedestal, representing the way in which women are often placed by society, but in a manner that restricts and limits their freedom and individuality.
The representation of the rope tied around the female figure's neck leading to a heart-shaped balloon conveys a powerful image. The balloon, with the word "standard" written in various languages, serves as a constant reminder of the global pressure to conform to certain beauty ideals. The heart shape of the balloon can be seen as an ironic reference to love, suggesting that love and acceptance often depend on conformity to these standards.
On the doll/woman's face, a skull figure is outlined. This is a clear reference to "Memento Mori", an artistic and philosophical tradition reminding us of human mortality. This depiction suggests that society's obsession with female beauty and youth is ultimately futile, as all people, regardless of their appearance, will eventually face death. It's also a disturbing commentary on the physical and psychological dangers of conforming to ideal beauty standards, which can lead to eating disorders and other health problems.
Leveraging the hype of the ongoing movie, this is a complex and multifaceted work that uses art to provoke deep questioning about society and its beauty standards, calling for a reassessment of how we see and value women.
