The Doll You Love To Undress

Zbigniew Libera

  • type of object: sculpture
  • date: 1997
  • material/technique: 3 dolls, 3 card boxes
  • dimensions: 52 x 17 x 12 cm x 3
  • inventory No.: RZ-43

In the 1990s, Libera designed three types of dolls: Ken’s Aunt (1994), You Can Shave the Baby (1995) and The Doll You Love to Undress (1998). These are mass-produced items that resemble products commonly available on the market. The artist explores the issue of learning certain behaviours through play. From an early age, we are taught standards of beauty, gender roles and personality patterns. Children’s toys are tools for disciplining the body and manipulating consciousness. Libera alters the typical appearance of dolls. Ken’s Aunt has a full, rounded figure in contrast to the unnaturally slim proportions of Ken and Barbie. You Can Shave the Baby is a toy with abundant hair, through which Libera comments on the widespread compulsion for women to have perfectly smooth bodies. Similarly, The Doll You Love to Undress, instead of an ideal body, reveals its exposed entrails.


Other works by artist in the Zachęta collection

  • Zdjęcie pracy Freelancer (Self-portrait)
    Freelancer (Self-portrait)Zbigniew Libera2013
  • Zdjęcie pracy Lego. Concentration Camp
    Lego. Concentration CampZbigniew Libera1999
  • Zdjęcie pracy Placebo
    PlaceboZbigniew Libera1995
  • Zdjęcie pracy Intimate Rites
    Intimate RitesZbigniew Libera1984
  • Zdjęcie pracy Jan Świdziński (Magazyn Gazety Wyborczej), from the series Masters
    Jan Świdziński (Magazyn Gazety Wyborczej), from the series MastersZbigniew Libera2003
  • Zdjęcie pracy Zofia Kulik (Na Dworze), from the series Masters
    Zofia Kulik (Na Dworze), from the series MastersZbigniew Libera2003
  • Zdjęcie pracy Andrzej Partum (Gazeta Wyborcza)
    Andrzej Partum (Gazeta Wyborcza)Zbigniew Libera2003
  • Zdjęcie pracy Incydent z Kantorem (Trybuna)
    Incydent z Kantorem (Trybuna)Zbigniew Libera2003
  • Zdjęcie pracy Leszek Przyjemski/Anastazy Wiśniewski (Polityka)
    Leszek Przyjemski/Anastazy Wiśniewski (Polityka)Zbigniew Libera2003

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