Barbie Through the Ages

“Barbie Through the Ages: A Photographic Exploration of Femininity”

By: Peter Piccillo

"Barbie Through the Ages" by Mackenzie Rosenau, a sophomore at Trine University, embarked on a photographic journey last semester for a class project.

This endeavor was inspired by the new Barbie movie and its advocacy for feminism, aimed to showcase the evolution of women's roles through the decades, from the 1950s to 2023, using the iconic Barbie doll as a motif.

Rosenau, who had not previously been particularly drawn to photography, found a new passion in the art form through this project. She took this opportunity to explore her potential desire to continue pursuing photography in the future.

The creation of her photography collage, "Barbie Through the Ages'', was no small task. The process involved creating outfits that accurately reflected each decade's style, as well as recruiting others to display the different versions of Barbie. The post-production phase, which involved editing the captured images, was equally crucial, ensuring that each photograph accurately represented its respective era while also maintaining the Barbie aesthetic throughout the series.

Rosenau’s project serves as a reminder that art can be an outlet for showcasing societal issues and cultural norms within society. Through her photography, Rosenau not only learned new skills as a photographer but also contributed to the ongoing issues about gender equality and the empowerment of women. This project highlights the power of creativity and the impact of visual storytelling in understanding our modern world.

Rosenau’s work is a testament to the idea that art, in its many forms, can challenge, inspire, and pave the way for change, no matter the era.