Barbie : Sugar & Spice - and Reproductive Rights!
Love Barbie or hate her, there’s no denying that the iconic toy parallels American women’s lives in many ways — even within the battle over reproductive rights.
Consider the history: As approval of the first birth control pill and abortion access in the ‘60s and ‘70s allowed women to better-manage family size and pursue a vast new range of careers, Barbie also shined as fashion editor, business executive, and astronaut.
“Barbie is always a mirror of our reality. She reflects what happens in our society,” says artist and former Mattel designer Sara Coon. Her micro gallery show highlights those vital liberties - and potential loss — in four dollhouse-size vignettes. Tag along as Barbie takes us on a whimsical trip through time, reminding that the ability to choose when — and if — to have a child, can effect a woman’s quality of life forever. It can impact her education, income, spousal stability, family wellbeing — and the freedom to dream her future.
“The implications are so far reaching. And I’m so afraid for a future where women have fewer rights and protections than my generation,” says Ranchos resident Coon. “Using Barbie can bring a little levity to a serious topic. She can also expose kids to a big issue in a way they can understand.”
Ultimately, Coon’s playful approach ponders what lies ahead for real people, like her young daughter, and how we can take inspired action.
Bun in the Oven, 2022
Barbie Dolls and Mixed Media
The scene was set in 1958. Barbie is ten years old, sitting down to have dinner with her family. It wasjust an ordinary evening, but big news was coming.
Sweet Dreamin’, 2022
Barbie Dolls and Mixed Media
The year is 1973, and Roe V. Wade has just passed. Barbie is now 25 years old and is wondering what the future might hold for her. The possibilities are endless.
Make that Money, Honey, 2022
Barbie Dolls and Mixed Media
By 1994, Barbie 46 is at the top of her game. She is a SHE-EO of a Fortune 500 company. Advocating for equal pay and equal rights in the workplace.
Salt in the Womb, 2022
Barbie Dolls and Mixed Media
Barbie is now 74, and the year is 2022. She could never have imagined that her daughter and granddaughter would have fewer rights than herself. As a family, they fight together and carry hope in their hearts.
Coon’s work offers a place to start discussions about complex topics, not fires in the community. She hopes that with a bit of humor and grace, we can all see we are more alike than different.