Barbie takes a spiritual turn (see photos)

Argentinean artists stir controversy in a display of Barbie and Ken across a wide range of religions

The Argentinean “Barbie, the Plastic Religion” doll to be presented during an exhibition in Buenos Aires from October 11 has stirred controversy. The artists behind the creation are Pool Paolini and Marianela Perelli, and they state that if there’s a Barbie doctor, teacher and police officer, then there should also be a Virgin of Lujan Barbie. All up they created 33 Barbie and Ken dolls inspired by Catholicism, Judaism, Buddhism and Islam.

Artist Emiliano Paolini and his partner Marianela Perelli, show their 'Ken' doll that they have re-designed into the religious figure of Jesus Christ at their workshop in Rosario, north of Buenos Aires

San Juan’s authorities are enraged by the sacrilege of the figures that they feel is out of place. Italy’s Catholic bishops are also furious of the Barbie and Ken dolls that depict the Virgin Mary and Crucified Christ.

On their part, the two Argentinean artists said they had expected controversy from extremist Muslim factions but hadn’t expected that the anger would come from representatives of their own local religion.

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