I’m excited to share my latest experimental film project, Broken Barbie Part 1: The Descent. This work is a deeply personal exploration of beauty, mental health, and the pressures of societal expectations. Through it, I delve into the emotional consequences of striving to meet impossible standards of perfection in today’s digital landscape.
The project emerged from my journaling practice, where I created positive affirmations to reflect on areas of my life that were challenging. However, I soon realized that these affirmations often masked deeper fears—fears of rejection, failure, and inadequacy. What started as an attempt to uplift myself became an overwhelming reminder of the impossible ideals we’re bombarded with, especially as women.
To bring this narrative to life, I used AI-generated avatars created with MidJourney, influenced by the aesthetic of Instagram filters and a “magical, psychedelic spirit guide” theme. As the video unfolds, these avatars shift from representations of positivity to distorted reflections of self-doubt and fear. I employed strobe effects, glitch distortions, and binaural beats to enhance the viewer’s experience, creating a visceral journey into the chaotic emotional landscape of descent.
The title not only references the Barbie doll as a symbol of unattainable beauty but also evokes the myth of Inanna’s descent into the underworld. This connection underscores my journey through personal transformation—shedding layers of identity and confronting the darker aspects of myself. While the work focuses on this descent, I also leave room for the possibility of rebirth, hinting at a symbolic “Part 2.”
In Broken Barbie Part 1: The Descent, I aim to challenge the harmful ideals that permeate our society and the emotional toll they take on us. This piece invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences with beauty standards and the pressures we all face in a world driven by digital images.
Content Warning: This film contains themes related to mental health, self-doubt, and anxiety, as well as strobe effects that may trigger discomfort in sensitive viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
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