Canadian artist Wendy Tsao takes Bratz Dolls and transforms them into feminist role models.
When asked what started the project, she said, “After 8 years of making softies with children’s drawings, I felt it was time to stretch out a bit, and try another craft or two. I saw Sonja Singh’s work several months ago, and ever since, I’ve been itching to have a go at it myself. I have to say that it has been a welcome change, surprisingly fun and satisfying work to refurbish Bratz dolls and give them new personalities.
“Each of the pre-owned Bratz dolls has been washed with hot water and soap. A few dolls who’d encountered a child wielding a permanent marker, now own a “beauty mark” or “tattoo”. Brushing their hair and dressing them in their new clothes bring back memories of forgotten childhood play. I enjoy designing their clothes and knitting their little tops, and I like seeing their personalities emerge as I paint their faces.”
She is auctioning off the dolls on ebay but also takes commissions.
Why is this simple act repurposing a doll so important? Because in our society we don’t value women and girls as much as we say we do. “We must tell girls their voices are important.” ~Malala Yousafzai (the woman who the doll shown is representing).
Malala Yousafzai, 1997-, Pakistani activist, youngest Nobel Prize laureate
“We must tell girls their voices are important.” ~Malala Yousafzai (the woman who the doll shown is representing).
Waris Dirie, 1965-, model, author, social activist
” If you can survive in the desert, you survive anywhere. I know more than anything life in desert. You can tell by looking at the dirt how long ago it rained, how hard it rained, how much water came through. You can (know) by looking at a plant, a tree, from an animal’s look. I can read the desert like I read my hand.” ~Waris Dirie
Roberta Bondar, 1945- , first female Canadian astronaut
“To fly in space is to see the reality of Earth, alone. The experience changed my life and my attitude toward life itself. I am one of the lucky ones.” ~ Roberta Bondar
So here is a chance to give a girl a doll to play with that represents something greater than just looking hot. As a mother, its important to me to give my daughter role models to look up to who contribute to making the world a better place.
More about Wendy here: http://wendytsao.com/
Image credit:Wendy Tsao
