Invoking the gods, or the apotheosis of the Barbie doll

Four old-fashioned Barbie dolls lift their arms skywards. Their frozen gestures evoke a dancing pose, an invitation or a plea. Erected on white pedestals, they are almost at eye level with the audience. Their prominent position attracts attention. The dolls vary in style and dress. There is a red-haired one with feverish eyes staring at the piece of charcoal in front of her. Next to her stands an elegant dark-skinned Barbie lady surrounded by some rusty iron tools. The gentle blonde wears a dress in white and blue. Her face is mirrored in a bowl of water. And finally, the