David Levinthal: Barbies August 1, 2008

For more than 30 years, New York City artist David Levinthal has arranged toy figures that mimic representations of contemporary myths and American icons. He generates large-scale photographs with a 20x24 Polaroid Land Camera, giving effigies a seductive grandeur, while trying to evoke the genuine emotions that anyone can attach to an entirely artificial world. The Barbie series is based on one of the classic icons of American childhood. Ubiquitous by her presence literally around the world, Barbie, with her constant evolution continues to reflect our cultural beliefs. From the first Barbie doll in 1959, who came dressed in a swimsuit, to the many contemporary versions as doctor, lawyer and athlete, just to name a few, the Barbie doll is ingrained into our lives.