BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — The iconic Barbie doll is on display at Ferris State University (FSU) this month, on the (high) heels of the box office smash 2023 Barbie movie.
"Much Ado About Barbie" shows the impact of the doll on American society since its introduction in 1959.
The exhibit will touch on both the progress and controversies surrounding the doll's evolution into what she means to society in 2024.
FSU says that visitors will explore themes that both support Barbie as a "cultural icon" as well as the controversial issues associated with the doll.
The Barbie exhibit is located at the Ferris State University Fine Art Gallery in the David Eisler Center, 805 Campus Drive, room 205.
The exhibit runs from Feb. 1 until Feb. 28. and is open on Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
In addition to the exhibit, the university will also be hosting a reception and panel discussion on Feb. 15 from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.
FSU Professors Dr. Tracy Bush, Lor Faulkner, Dr. Melissa Smith, and illustrator and designer Piper Adonya will be speaking at the panel. They will touch on topics like contradictions and the Barbie movie, Barbie and fashion, diversity and representation, and "3rd wave feminism."
"The growing popularity of the feminine-presenting fictional Barbie and actual Taylor Swift reveals that 3rd wave feminism achieved its goal of de-stigmatizing femininity. During the second wave, anything 'girly' was seen as a liability for girls/women who wanted to be taken seriously. My hypothesis is that success of Taylor and the Barbie movie indicates a sea change for women/girls in the U.S. and beyond," said Dr. Bush.
You can learn more about the exhibit and the panel here.
The Ferris State University Fine Art Gallery will also be showing a free screening of the Barbie Movie on Monday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Rankin Center, 881 Campus Dr. There will be free popcorn and drinks served at the movie.
Ferris State University 'Much Ado About Barbie' exhibit
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and on your phone.
