Feb. 12, 2024
Ferris State Exhibit Explores the Evolution, Impact of Barbie
Ferris State University’s Fine Art Gallery is hosting a new exhibit, “Much Ado About
Barbie,” is free and open to the public Tuesdays through Fridays through Feb. 28.
“Doll” doesn’t do Barbie justice.
For six decades she’s entertained kids, influenced fashion and culture, sparked discussion on body image and feminism, and, most recently, emerged as a pop culture icon.
All in ridiculously high heels.
Now a new exhibit at the Ferris State University Fine Art Gallery, “Much Ado About Barbie,” explores the toy’s evolution and celebrates the impact of last summer’s blockbuster “Barbie” movie.
The exhibit is free and open to the public Tuesdays through Fridays through Feb. 28.
“We recognize the relevance of Barbie and the level of her influence both in positive and in some somewhat controversial ways,” said Carrie Weis, gallery director. “This exhibit was a chance to dig a little deeper into some of the issues that were touched on in the movie.”
In addition to the exhibit, the university will host a reception and panel discussion about Barbie on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Panelists will explore Barbie’s impact on fashion, careers, cultural appropriation, diversity, body image and consumerism, Weis said.
Panelists include:
- Dr. Tracy Busch, Ferris State associate professor of history and lead faculty for Ferris’ Museum of Sexist Objects.
- Lori Faulkner, Kendall College of Art and Design professor in the Pamella Roland DeVos School of Fashion of Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University.
- Piper Adonya, KCAD alumna and illustrator and designer for “Black Barbie: A Documentary.”
- Melissa Smith, Ferris State professor of English.
The idea for the exhibit emerged last summer when the Museum of Sexist Objects acquired 67 Barbies from a local collector. Soon after, the motion picture “Barbie” was released starring Margot Robbie and took the world by storm, grossing billions of dollars and prompting discussions across the globe on what it means to be a woman.
“It was an exciting thing to think about a way to showcase the new collection, but to also ride the wave of the ‘Barbie’ movie that really addresses a lot of the issues that the Museum of Sexist Objects explores,” Weis said.
The mission of the Ferris Museum of Sexist Objects is to be a leader in raising awareness and inspiring activism in response to everyday items that promote sexism, gendered violence, and female stereotypes.
Organizers identified some of the movie’s major themes and began curating the exhibit, which includes more than 100 Barbie dolls, 85 of which are from Faulkner's collection.
Since fashion is a huge part of Barbie’s world — think 250-plus career outfits and counting — clothing is, of course, a big part of “Much Ado About Barbie.” The exhibit includes a collection of Barbie clothes Faulkner created called “Visions in Pink,” as well as outfits designed by Ferris State Fashion Studies student Emma Benson.
“Emma wanted to focus her independent study on the strong, feminine persona of Taylor Swift on the Eras Tour,” Faulkner said. “So, she took Taylor’s outfits and designed and sewed 11 versions of them for Barbie.”
The Ferris State University Fine Art Gallery will also be showing a free screening of the Barbie Movie on Monday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. in the David L. Eisler Center, 805 Campus Drive. There will be free popcorn and drinks served at the movie.