Barbie Pond on Avenue Q
Barbie Pond on Avenue Q is a community art installation that features a collection of Barbie dolls arranged in various scenes around a small pond in front of a private residence. The displays change regularly to reflect current events, holidays, and social issues.
Overview
[edit]The Barbie Pond on Avenue Q community art installation located on Q Street in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C.[1] The display, which features Barbie dolls posed in various thematic scenes, has become a local landmark, known for its humorous and timely depictions of current events, holidays, and cultural moments.[1] The installation, created by three friends, Craig, Jon, and Brent, has garnered a dedicated following and is considered a unique reflection of the Dupont Circle community.[1]
History
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The Barbie Pond began informally c. 2011 when Brent, the homeowner of the property where the installation sits, placed cake toppers in the garden area in front of his house.[2][1] After positive reactions from neighbors, the owner added full-sized Barbie dolls and began creating themed displays.[2][1] Craig and Jon, two friends, joined the effort c. 2014, and together the trio has since transformed the pond into a regularly updated art piece.[1] Over time, the Barbie Pond grew in both size and significance, becoming a staple of local life.[1]
The Barbie Pond displays often celebrate holidays and cultural events, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Cinco de Mayo, and Pride Month.[2][1] The installations also comment on political and social issues, including elections and LGBTQ+ rights.[2] In one scene following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the pond featured pregnant Ken dolls holding signs that read, "Things Would Be Different IF …."[1] Another display, which attracted over 50,000 views on Instagram, depicted nine female justices of the Supreme Court with the hashtag "#Goals."[1] In April 2020, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the pond featured Barbie dolls in boxing gloves fighting the coronavirus.[1] Another display celebrated the 2020 election, with Barbies resembling U.S. president Joe Biden and vice president Kamala Harris surrounded by signs reading "I Voted."[1] The curators has used the pond as a platform to raise awareness and funds for various causes, including Ukrainian refugees.[2]
Despite its whimsical nature, the Barbie Pond has been described as "an oasis of mysteries" due to the curator's desire to remain anonymous.[3] The Barbie Pond has gained popularity among locals and visitors, with over 7,000 followers on its Instagram account as of 2017.[2] Some reviewers have praised the installation for bringing joy and creativity to the neighborhood.[2] The Barbie Pond has become more than just a local curiosity.[1] It serves as a creative commentary on cultural and political issues, often blending humor with social critique.[1] Its Instagram account has amassed over 30,000 followers by 2023, and people from across the U.S. and even internationally have made it a point to visit the site.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Vargas, Theresa (July 8, 2023). "Long before Barbie got a movie, she was a star at this D.C. pond". Washington Post. Retrieved 2024-09-14.
- ^ a b c d e f g More, Maggie (2023-06-22). "Community, fun, and Barbie dolls: A Q&A on DC's mysterious 'Barbie Pond'". NBC4 Washington. Retrieved 2024-09-14.
- ^ Plott, Elaina (2016-09-15). "What's Really Going on With the Barbie Pond on Avenue Q?". Washingtonian. Retrieved 2024-09-14.