Barbie as a Feminist Icon – Cecile Plaisance’s Bold Vision

Plaisance redefines Barbie, transforming her into a symbol of strength and rebellion in the fight for women’s rights

Cecile Plaisance discusses her artistic journey, using Barbie and lenticular prints to address feminism, female autonomy, and societal constraints, challenging traditional roles and celebrating women’s freedom of expression.

Cecile Plaisance’s artistry is a bold and unapologetic celebration of femininity, freedom, and provocative expression. With a career that began in the European financial markets before transitioning to photography, Plaisance’s work delves into themes of gender, societal expectations, and religious constraints. She is particularly known for her imaginative use of Barbie dolls as a medium, transforming this iconic figure into a symbol of female autonomy while challenging viewers’ perceptions of beauty and identity. Her distinct visual style combines playful imagery with serious commentary, prompting reflection on the constructs that shape women’s lives.

Plaisance’s photographs resonate far beyond their immediate appeal. Through series such as “Fuck the Rules” and her thought-provoking lenticular prints, she weaves a narrative of rebellion and empowerment. Her artistic voice pushes boundaries, inviting dialogue on the roles women occupy in society. Influenced by luminaries like Helmut Newton and Ellen von Unwerth, Plaisance’s work is both bold and thoughtful, elevating the conversation about femininity while presenting beauty, humor, and defiance in a unique and captivating form. Her images, often a blend of the provocative and profound, challenge societal norms and encourage women to embrace their freedoms unapologetically.

A Journey from Finance to Photography

Plaisance’s transition from the world of finance to photography was not influenced by her economic background but rather by a lifelong fascination with beauty. “Even as a little girl, I collected magazine photos/images that I found beautiful, mostly of women,” she recalls. This passion for beauty ultimately led her to photography school in 2008, where she began to explore her artistic voice.

Initially, Plaisance captured travel scenes and objects, but her focus shifted dramatically when she decided to use Barbie dolls as subjects. “I was looking for models who would be willing to stand in front of my camera, but nothing came of it. That’s when the Barbie came to the fore,” she explains. This choice was both a nod to her childhood and a humorous way to engage with feminist themes. “I’m a feminist who asks women to play with everything that’s possible in femininity,” she asserts.

Balancing Playfulness and Provocation

Plaisance’s work is characterized by a delicate balance between playful and provocative elements. She believes that the battle for gender equality is ongoing, and women should not abandon their femininity in the process. “The right to dress as they please, to wear make-up and lingerie… to feel beautiful, should not be seen as a provocation to men,” she states. Her Barbie, with her ultra-feminine shape, serves as a powerful vehicle for delivering this message.

The artist’s decision to undress Barbies in her work is a deliberate choice to emphasize female autonomy. “In a free world, the Woman (the Barbie) has the right to choose whether she wants to show her body or not,” Plaisance explains. She critiques the religious laws in certain countries that hinder women’s freedom, making them invisible and submissive. “This is no longer acceptable,” she declares.

Evolving Artistic Process

As Plaisance’s work evolved to include human models, she found that the collaborative process enriched her artistic vision. “The models I work with fully support my project. The exchange is always fruitful and collaborative,” she notes. Some women, like Marisa Papen, even push the boundaries further, embodying the ideals of freedom and expression that Plaisance champions.

The use of lenticular prints in her work adds another layer of engagement for viewers. “I’ve always worked in diptychs, with a before photo and an after photo: dressed/undressed,” she explains. The lenticular medium allows her to present her message in a more playful yet conspicuous way, capturing the attention of those who encounter her work. “When people see my work, whether they like it or not, they stop. They move in front of the photo, they try to understand,” she says.

One of her notable works, “Fuck the Rules,” features a woman in a burqa, undressed with a cigarette in her mouth and the phrase “Fuck the Rules” written on her breast. This piece, along with another referencing the famous film “And God Created Woman,” exemplifies Plaisance’s ability to provoke thought and discussion through her art.

Cecile Plaisance masterfully fuses playfulness with profound feminist statements, delivering bold, provocative art that champions women’s empowerment. Her work invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of femininity and the societal constructs that shape women’s lives, ultimately celebrating the freedom to express oneself unapologetically. Through her unique lens, Plaisance continues to challenge norms and inspire dialogue, making her a significant voice in contemporary art.