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Barbie fever has taken over the world, including Bahrain, with creatives from all fields finding inspiration in the doll’s pink paradise and reflecting it in their works for all to adore.
Artists, architects and designers have been creating pieces based on the plastic princess for years, including light artist James Turrell, who has used the pink and fuchsia shade in his installations, as well as artist Beau Dunn’s limited edition C-prints featuring variations of the childhood cultural icon.
Screenwriter and Barbie movie director Greta Gerwig brought the 1959 Mattel-brand blonde toy, created by American businesswoman Ruth Handler, to life on July 21 with a cinematic aesthetic that sparked joy and a movie message that motivated more artworks.
“The recent surge of artwork inspired by the movie has been truly remarkable,” said Shaikha Dwa bint Khalid Al Khalifa, an artist, academic and co-owner of a creative and crafty space for children and adults.
“Artists around the world have taken inspiration from these films, using their skills to bring their own interpretations to life. The result is a vibrant tapestry of creativity that fuels our imagination and sparks new ideas.”
Shaikha Dwa, a member of the National Art Council (NAC) who completed her Master’s degree in Fine Arts Digital from the University of the Arts London (UAL) in 2019, released her own rosy-hued pieces on social media, turning Bahrain into a pretty in pink wonderland.
“I watched the movie and what impressed me even more was how the film addressed deep issues in such a clever manner,” added Shaikha Dwa who is working with a talented team on a children’s book series that is deeply rooted in the essence of Bahrain. It aims to engage children and their families in an immersive experience that showcases the unique aspects of the island’s rich culture.
“The movie highlighted the power of storytelling through visual elements while conveying important messages. The two hours flew by!
“Also, the set designs and the immersive world created in the Barbie movie were truly captivating and that’s what inspired me. By tweaking reality, whether it be through visual effects or narrative twists, we have the ability to elicit profound feelings within ourselves and others. It is in these moments that we realise the true potential of storytelling and its impact on our lives.”
Her artwork boasts different landmarks in Bahrain including the Riffa clock tower, the Bahrain International Circuit Tower, the Athar structure that celebrates the achievements of Bahraini women and the kingdom’s cityscape.
“It was astonishing to see not only individuals but also notable accounts, such as the Athar monument account, which I featured as one of the places that have been ‘Barbie-fied’ and the Supreme Council for Women, reposting my artwork,” she added. “The support and recognition from such esteemed entities have truly humbled me. I appreciate all the support and am happy that it resonated with so many people.”
Bahraini digital artist Ahmed Fuad, whose motivational colourful creation won him first place in the Athar Digital Art Exhibition back in March to mark International Women’s Day, was one of those individuals that shared Shaikha Dwa’s work…and he created his own of the giant map sculpture of Bahrain.
“I reimagined how Bahrain would look like in a Barbie world and I used an application called Procreate on my iPad Pro to do so,” said the 34-year-old from Isa Town, who works for Gulf Air. “I think everyone is hyped about Barbie because growing up, Barbie was in every household.”
Meanwhile, digital marketer and artist Layan Raed Al Samahiji jumped on the Barbenheimer bandwagon that’s also been trending online, as Oppenheimer – described by a movie critic as a symphony of action and emotion – was also released worldwide on July 21 to coincide with Barbie. Although Barbie has been postponed in Bahrain for the time being.
“The marketing campaign for Barbenheimer, which successfully tapped into the emotions and aspirations of its target audience, served as a catalyst for my project,” said the 22-year-old from Saar who is the founder of Creatives of Bahrain, a platform dedicated to supporting local Bahraini talent and small businesses.
“I was inspired by the campaign’s ability to evoke a sense of joy, empowerment and inclusivity, and I aimed to infuse these elements into my artwork,” Layan said. “My artwork, Bahrain Barbie land, is a captivating representation of the rich and diverse culture of Bahrain.”
Drawing inspiration from the vibrant cityscape of the kingdom, she aimed to create a piece that would resonate with individuals on a deep level using digital art as her chosen medium.
“I sought to combine the timeless allure of traditional art with the dynamic possibilities offered by technology,” added the Bahrain Bayan High school graduate who pursued her passion for business and marketing at Northumbria University and is now in her final year at the University of Essex. “As a digital marketer, I recognised the power of visual storytelling and its ability to create meaningful connections with audiences.
“I have received overwhelmingly positive feedback on my art, which is incredibly motivating. People appreciate the unique perspective and emotional depth I bring to my work.
“Although I’ve encountered some negative feedback, I firmly believe art is subjective and those opinions don’t deter me. I focus on the positive and use criticism constructively to continually improve and grow as an artist.”
Layan has also come across other great artists who have created unique Barbie and Oppenheimer looks.
“It’s fascinating to see how different artists interpret and reimagine these iconic figures,” said Layan who has an ongoing collaboration with hip hop musician Xenai as she creates the cover art for his sound. “Some artists focus on capturing Barbie’s elegance and fashion-forward style, while others explore Oppenheimer’s intellectual and scientific persona. The diversity of artistic expressions adds depth and variety to these well-known characters.”
For details, follow @dee_khalid8, @thethickline, @magnanimousbylayan and @creatives.of.bahrain on Instagram.
