Curated by Mary Urbas, this exhibit looks at Barbie as a pop culture icon. The invited artists created art that reminisces about childhood memories of our beloved doll.
Title: Barbie as Inspiration …It’s all make believe!
Date: March 20 – April 17, 2026
Location: E11even 2 Gallery, 1300 W. 78 St., Suite 112, Cleveland, OH 44102
Info: https://bestdamngallery.com/project/barbie-as-inspiration-its-all-make-believe/
I often rely on my love of nature and nostalgia for artistic inspiration. I want my art to evoke fond reminders of days gone by, the excitement of road trips, and the exploration of unknown spaces.
Naturally, I was excited by the invitation to create art inspired by Barbie.
As a shy nerdy child, getting my first Barbie was eye-opening. She wasn’t the usual passive baby doll – oh no – she could do anything, go anywhere, be whatever she wanted.
I loved her adventurous spirit, her car, modern house, and tiny accessories. And, the clothes, oh the glamorous clothes: evening gowns, swing coats, tiny shoes, itsy bitsy jewelry.
I was in awe.
When creating art for this exhibit, I aimed to channel that childhood glee and revive some of my favorite Barbie nostalgia.
Living The Dream is based on the colors and symbols that remind me of Barbie: bright colors, palm trees, exotic travel destinations, fancy cars. I wanted to convey a youthful, 70’s vibe.
For Sweet Ride, the vintage Pontiac convertible was the perfect Barbie ride. The car, combined with pieces from travel magazines, a couple of Barbie photos, and – is that Ann Margaret? I don’t know, but she is so fabulous – create an exotic setting for Barbie’s jet-setting adventures.
My hope is that these pieces convey my fond Barbie nostalgia. Was she the perfect role model? Of course not, but she gave a very young version of me a glimpse into possibilities that just beginning to open to women in the 70s.
Living The Dream is a collage on canvas with found papers, tissue, and ink.
Sweet Ride is a collage on canvas with map, vintage papers, painted paper.
