Therapy Barbie

Acrylic painting by Kristin Simmons of Barbie in a pink blazer thinking "I put myself in therapy. You know, for like, my art."

A nostalgic nod to the '90s, Simmons’ β€œTherapy Barbie" plunges us into a familiar world with a contemporary twist. Dressed in her signature magenta ensemble, this isn't the always-smiling Barbie we remember, but one deep in thought, grappling with the duality of her iconic existence and the desire for self-expression. The painting serves as a visual memoir, melding the playful nature of our favorite childhood toy with the profound emotions of adulthood. Turns out, the plastic world has depth too.

DIMENSIONS: 30(h) x 30(w)
MEDIUM:
Acrylic and Diamond Dust on Canvas
YEAR:
2017

The Original Selfie

A colorful painting of retro Barbie and Ken taking a selfie on a polaroid camera against a heart-filled background.

In a vibrant clash of color and nostalgia, Simmons’ β€œThe Original Selfie” delves into the essence of fleeting moments and eternal connections. Beyond the playful representation of Barbie and Ken, it evokes a time where relationships were immortalized not through digital bytes, but tangible moments. It captures the dichotomy of an era defined by its simplicity yet brimming with complexities of human emotions and reminds us that sometimes, retro isn't a styleβ€”it's a feeling.

DIMENSIONS: 48(h) x 24(w)
MEDIUM:
Acrylic and Diamond Dust on Canvas
YEAR:
2023

Beach Barbie

Acrylic painting of cartoon Barbie in a bathing suit against a backdrop of palm trees, blue water, a shining sun, and pink clouds.

Simmons’ Beach Barbie delves into thematic realms of nostalgia and escapism, evoking a yearning for days gone by. Through the familiar visage of Barbie, it beckons to simpler times; it’s a reflection on fleeting youth, reminding us of a time when life was a perpetual vacation, and the world seemed vast and full of possibilities. While Camus once pondered if life was worth living; Barbie seems to say, 'Only with the right beach attire.'

DIMENSIONS: 36(h) x 24(w)
MEDIUM:
Acrylic and Diamond Dust on Canvas
YEAR:
2023

Miss Americana

Kristin Simmons' "Miss Americana" serves as both a homage and a critique of American culture. By choosing a Barbie as her star figure, Simmons comments on the American dream's often unattainable standards of beauty and success. The use of iconic patriotic symbols in her attire explores themes of nationalism and identity, questioning the roles assigned to us by society and how we wear our identities like costumes. Simmons' work here is not just a nod to Americana but a cheeky reinterpretation of it, infusing the classic symbol of the flag with a contemporary twist.

DIMENSIONS: 40(h) x 30(w)
MEDIUM:
Acrylic and Diamond Dust on Canvas
YEAR:
2023