Barbie has been many things in her 55 years on earth, but a victim of domestic violence is not one of them – until now.
Samantha Humphreys, a student artist from Essex in the UK, has made over the iconic doll for a new exhibition at the University of Leicester entitled Speaking Out.
Her project, which has the tagline “We shouldn’t be taught that life is perfect”, shows Barbie with a black eye and bloodied lips.
Samantha, 41, says she created the shocking dolls to show people that anyone – even those whose lives seem perfect – can fall victim to domestic abuse.
“Barbie can be the first instruction to young children about how adults live their lives,” Samantha told the Essex Chronicle.
“We need to demonstrate that life is not as perfect as we are led to believe.”
Readers seeking support and information about domestic violence prevention can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au.
Artist Samantha Humphreys wanted to speak out against the hidden nature of domestic violence.
The artist blackened the doll’s eyes and bloodied her lips to create the images. © Samantha Humphreys.
This confronting image was one of several created by Samantha. © Samantha Humphreys.
The artist wanted to capture the fact that life isn’t always perfect. © Samantha Humphreys.
Samantha created 10 dolls in total but only three will go on display in the Speaking Out exhibition. © Samantha Humphreys.
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