Gloria Is the Real Barbie, 

Published in Our Rhythm, Our Blues online exhibition, 2021

60x25  Inkjet printing on archival canvas, 2017.

Barbie and Gloria talk things over (REDUX)​​

Beginning in 2017, before Greta Gerwig awesomely pounced, I began using Barbie as an art-element. Barbie represents the universal concept that humans can undertake any endeavor, as long as they change clothes. If you want to be a soldier, shave your head and put on a uniform. 

30x40 Inkjet printing on archival canvas, glitter, acrylic paint, pushpins 2018, 2023

Barbies Dream of Becoming Gloria Steinem, 14x11x4  Barbies, Accessories, Inkjet Printing, Cardboard, Duct Tape, ​2017.

Survival of the Blondest, 30 x 20x 14 

Barbies, Accessories, Inkjet Printing, clear fish tank, duct tape, ​2019

Why does Gloria Steinem look like Barbie?​

My childhood goddess until age eleven was Barbie, and I jumped to feminist Gloria Steinem at age seventeen. Decades later, after extreme exertion from “doing-it-all” in the form of corporate marketing jobs and intensive NYC parenting, I realized that Gloria and Barbie have a great deal in common. 

Barbie and Gloria are not dependent on partners or children for identity. Barbie revolutionized the way girls play with dolls. Before Barbie, the toy industry sold baby dolls, leading them to the role of "mother." Barbie can go anywhere, career-wise: flight attendant, pediatrician, executive. That is, after she changes clothes.​

​Barbies Hanging Out Gallery View (2018) 

Andrea Bass

Why do feminists

disrespect Barbie?

​

Before 1959,

there were only baby dolls, placing girls into mother roles.

Channeling Darwin, "Survival of the Blondest" is about colorism.