The resurrection of two religiously themed Barbie dolls has caused some major controversy.
Argentinian artists Emiliano Pool Paolini and Marianela Perelli announced they would be relaunching two dolls, dubbed the “Barbie Virgin Mary” and “Jesus Ken,” for an upcoming art exhibit, nine years after their creations were met with global criticism.
Numerous faith communities have expressed their frustration with the dolls’ comeback after images were posted online. The Catholic community in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in particular have spoken out against the dolls, arguing that the “Barbie-fication” of their religion is sacrilegious.
The dolls — which have no connection or affiliation with the original Mattel Barbie doll — were initially on display in 2014 for an art exhibit called “Barbie: The Plastic Religion.” The exhibit included other Barbies depicted as religious figures such as Joan of Arc and Virgin of Guadalupe, and Ken as Buddha and Moses.
At that time, the faith community pushed back against the exhibit, and some protestors even went so far as sending death threats to the artists.
Now, following the success of Barbie, the artists have decided to relaunch their creations at an upcoming art show. Despite the controversy, Paolini and Perelli have defended their art by insisting their work was “simply the union of the two most popular elements of history: the Barbie doll and religion.”
“Frankly, we don’t understand why we’re being attacked,” Paolini said. “Religion has always depicted virgins as the most beautiful women. Today, the most beautiful woman is Barbie.”
