Two years ago, artists Marianela Perelli and Pool Paolini debuted the show “Barbie, the Plastic Religion,” garnering press worldwide for Barbie and Ken doll versions of Biblical characters. Now, the show comes to La Luz de Jesus Gallery in Los Angeles with new additions. Through Dec. 31, the gallery shows the models, two new paintings, 12 Via Crucis altarpieces, a nativity scene, more than a dozen smaller gold leaf paintings, a Barbie Porsche 911 with Ken as Krishna, Jesus, and Buddha.
Earlier this year, the Argentine artists displayed four pieces at Palais du Louvre in Paris, and the model “Our Lady of Lujan“ was received by Pope Francis at the Vatican. Dolls heading to La Luz de Jesus include “Virgen de las Mercedes,””Jesus,” “Judas,” and just in time for the holidays, “San Nicolas.”
In an interview with Push Pony, the artists commented on the level of controversy surrounding the exhibition: “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.”
