The Life and Death of America's Plastic Princess

So- How do you perceive this ubiquitous American icon? Pert and chipper? A goodie-goodie that can do no wrong? A hardworking, successful, standard of beauty that every person should strive to achieve, or die trying? All the evil in the world wrapped up in an 11" purchasable demon? Either or, artist Crudo sets upon the table situations that may alter the way you think about, and talk to, "America's Plastic Princess".

Bold and colorful (think pink), Crudo explores the very existence of Barbie in this unique, sometimes controversial multimedia show. In a style he terms "hypermodern", the exhibition features paintings, photographs, and 3-d works that bypass obvious parodies and dive deep into the psychological innuendo of this symbol of pop culture.

"We love to hate Barbie- either we're appalled by what she stands for, or we're upset that we'll never reach her level of achievement- just think, she's been a model, a doctor, an astronaut and has a body that just won't quit. She owns a townhouse, a horse and a dune buggy. And she has a steady boyfriend. It's just not humanly possible!" observes Crudo. But this show is neither a Barbie bashing nor a love letter, more an intimate study of Barbie, the woman, her friends and their relationships and our relationship with them.

In a unique concept using multiple photographs matted in a vertical composition, Crudo creates "film-clips" from virtual movies- "Barbie #1's Screen Test", transforms the original issue of the doll into a charismatic young starlet teetering on the verge of silver screen stardom. The surreal sculpture "Bleeding Heart Barbie" uses an actual, extremely bizarre release by Mattel, made more surreal when Crudo pushes it over the edge with the addition of pink beads, pink tassels and …pink blood. Mummified Barbie, is a concept Crudo explores in both the mediums of painting and soft sculpture. The "Teenage Fashion Model" is sent to her eternal resting place wrapped in designer bandages and surrounded by hieroglyphics that portray her earthly, if somewhat superficial, existence.

Ken is brought under the artistic microscope through two thought-provoking pieces, "Evolution of Ken I & II". In these photo essays Crudo guides us along visual timelines of Barbie's beau's physical transformation throughout his (shelf)life. What at first glance may be perceived as simple head-shots of vinyl "man-candy" belie a strong commentary of society and our ever-changing ideals of beauty, illustrated through the face and body of the notorious Mr. Afraid-of-Commitment.

Crudo explains, "I didn't consciously choose Barbie as a muse, she crept in on her own accord. Just as she has entered into everyone's psyche- some women want to be her; some men want to do her. But love or hate, no one is indifferent, everybody knows who she is and they all have an opinion."

Follow the pink arrows for the guided tour- ENJOY...

any questions, comments or inquiries? info@albertcrudo.com

And when you're done playing with Barbie don't forget to visit albertcrudo.com