Stacy Leigh, The Pussy Bar, 2019. Image courtesy of the artist.
This summer, Barbie has officially taken over the world. The iconic doll is making her live-action, silver-screen debut under Oscar-winner Greta Gerwig’s direction, and her trademark pink hue is making appearances everywhere—from TikTok ads to city benches. In her 64 years of existence, Barbie has slipped into a plethora of roles, including that of the artist. She's the architect of the doll archetype—the standard all others are measured by—and a mirror to cultural tendencies both aspirational and toxic. Ahead of the film’s release tomorrow, CULTURED invited 10 artists to opine on what Barbie has meant to them and their craft, along with their takes on the upcoming flick.
—
Stacy Leigh
CULTURED: What was your first interaction with or impression of a Barbie?
Stacy Leigh: I was a blonde kid, so Malibu Barbie was my go-to doll! I recall wishing I would grow up to look like her, which was shallow and unimportant, but I knew Barbie was beautiful, and I coveted that beauty. I don't think it was particularly healthy to be so focused on my appearance at a young age, but it was the ‘70s and things were very different. I always used dolls as an outlet, either creatively or to soothe me emotionally.
To date, when life feels overwhelming, I find myself standing in front of my vast doll collection, planning a photoshoot idea, or just admiring them. It is a weird source to derive a sense of calm, but all those sassy little faces somehow make me feel better. I bet a psychoanalyst would enjoy unpacking that response!
CULTURED: What element of Barbie speaks to your practice the most?
Leigh: Barbie, and fashion dolls in general, are akin to a medium for me, in the same way paint or emulsion is a tool. The ability to project an entire backstory onto the doll, and subsequently customize it with various paints and pastels to convey their "personality" is really interesting to me. I enjoy the challenge of getting static plastic to emote.
CULTURED: Will you watch the Barbie movie? What are you most excited about?
Leigh: I will absolutely watch the Barbie movie. I would have watched it no matter who they cast in the lead, but Margot Robbie is a perfect choice. I am SO very looking forward to it! I am excited that Barbie is going to be on everyone's radar this summer. I have really dug into the color pink and have been wearing it incessantly since the mention of the movie's release—Amelia Stone