In the installation, over 50 dolls were sprayed, and hand painted in designs inspired by bondage outfits. At first, the figures are seen as vulnerable decorative, unconscious, and desired objects, exposed, and restricted in patriarchal thought. However, in this unsettling world the dolls command their own authority.
Inspired by the book Living Doll: the Return of Sexism by Natasha Walter and the paraphrase by George Orwell, From Girl to Doll reflects on the the symbol of the doll, as a plaything, a female form to aspire to become and/or a sexual object of desire. The work looks at the fusion of the girl and doll, exploring a hypersexualised world where the pressures and desires to become sexually attractive start at a young age.
Amongst the hanging objects, a distorted film of selected archival footage, plays in the background, showing the first Barbie commercial.
The installation was on display at LAC's group art exhibition Weight and See at the Undercroft Gallery, Norwich.
'I wanted to create an immersive experience, by introducing inanimate objects that represent the female form into an uncomfortable and eerie world, that challenges our perceptions of female objectification but at the same time claims female authority'.
'Tracy Satchwill shows the values we all need to understand today and always. Excellent’.
Undercroft Gallery visitor
'That Doll installation piece is just incredible’.
'Loved the interactivity of the dolls & girls exhibit. I hope their exploration continues to bear fruit'.
'The dolls scared me but really made me think’.
’The dolls are traumatising'.
'Tracy Satchwill... You are amazing. Beautiful work of art. So interesting. I love dolls. That was amazing. Thank you'.
'Very moving'.
I love the room of Barbies. Truly inspiring'.
‘Loved the suitably sinister doll film and installation’.
'Loved Tracy Satchwill's piece. Great stuff'.
'Cool Dolls'.
Doll exhibition was 10/10! Amazing work!'
'Avoid the dolls'.
Undercroft Gallery visitors
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