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Plastic prophets: Barbies become religious icons

Argentinian artists Marianela Perelli and Pool Paolini will show their Barbie and Ken dolls modeled after religious figures at an Oct. 11 show titled, "Barbie, The Plastic Religion."

By Ben Hooper
Marianela Perelli and Pool Paolini turned Barbie and Ken dolls into religious icons for their "Barbie, The Plastic Religion" exhibition. (Marianela Perelli and Pool Paolini/Facebook)
Marianela Perelli and Pool Paolini turned Barbie and Ken dolls into religious icons for their "Barbie, The Plastic Religion" exhibition. (Marianela Perelli and Pool Paolini/Facebook)

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BUENOS AIRES, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- A pair of Argentinean artists are courting controversy with a series of Barbie and Ken dolls modeled after religious icons including Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary.

Marianela Perelli and Pool Paolini posted photos online featuring Mattel's famous plastic couple as religious figures complete with boxes explaining their intended identities.

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Marianela Perelli and Pool Paolini turned Barbie and Ken dolls into religious icons for their "Barbie, The Plastic Religion" exhibition. (Facebook)

The artists said the dolls will be displayed Oct. 11 at an exhibition titled "Barbie, The Plastic Religion" in Buenos Aires.

The 33 dolls feature icons from religions including Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism.

Marianela Perelli and Pool Paolini turned Barbie and Ken dolls into religious icons for their "Barbie, The Plastic Religion" exhibition. (Facebook)

"If there's a Barbie doctor, a teacher and a police officer, why shouldn't there be a Virgin of Lujan Barbie?" the artists said on their Facebook page.

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