Barbie as the Virgin Mary? Ken as Jesus? Italian Catholics are not amused

THE WASHINGTON POST
By Josephine Mckenna

Two Argentinian artists, Marianela Perelli and Pool Paolini

ITALY---Barbie has had a number of careers in her 55 years — flight attendant, veterinarian, astronaut, even president. Her latest role, however, is raising eyebrows. Italy’s Catholic bishops are furious about controversial artistic depictions of the popular Barbie and Ken dolls as the Virgin Mary and a crucified Jesus Christ and other saints. Two Argentinian artists, Marianela Perelli and Pool Paolini, produced 33 dolls of various religious figures for a show named “Barbie, The Plastic Religion,” which opens in Buenos Aires on Oct. 11. [link]