12th Annual Altered Barbie Art Exhibit

Everyone who’s owned barbies as a child probably knows that they are not often played with in the ways promoted by Mattel. Barbie, despite being criticized since her advent of being “too perfect” and unoriginal somehow lends herself to creative and imaginative endeavors by children, and, as demonstrated by the Mission’s Altered Barbie art exhibit, by adults and serious artists. The event has been held since 2002 and moved to 50 Shotwell St. four years ago, according to event curator Julie Andersen. I documented the exhibit’s final day and spoke to some of the artists last Sunday. Check out some of their work here.