Comments on: Barbie Death Camp

By: america adrift » Barbie Death Camp

america adrift » Barbie Death Camp — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:44:26 +0000

[...] emerges now. Over at Historiann, they had a discussion about a certain installation at Burning Man, called Barbie Death Camp, which is an interesting and strange installation of Barbie dolls all meandering toward an oven. [...]

By: Historiann

Historiann — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 14:49:11 +0000

Hi ibdave–we’re here, but we’ve moved on to other threads! Feel free to comment on other issues under discussion here, if you like.

By: ibdave

ibdave — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 04:10:08 +0000

Taps on glass…… This place open anymore??

walks away wondering if feelings got hurt……

By: Das Bus

Das Bus — Tue, 27 May 2008 04:52:52 +0000

” We all beat up Barbies as kids, ”

I must protest! I did not beat up or dismember barbies as as kid. I pretended they were having sex with each other.

By: ibdave

ibdave — Mon, 26 May 2008 19:16:15 +0000

Historiann, I think you think to much…

By: Captain Dagnabbitt

Captain Dagnabbitt — Mon, 26 May 2008 15:22:05 +0000

Dr. Pyro’s Barbie Death Camp and Wine Bistro is a GREAT camp! There’s always good friendly people and good wine. There is ZERO “symbolism” with the Barbies. It’s just a gag, and the sheer number of Barbies happened when lots of people started donating their old Barbies after having a great time at Doc Pyros’ place. We all beat up Barbies as kids, and this is just big people playing like they did when they were little. The Barbies themselves aren’t the whole of Dr. Pyro’s considerable effort to contribute to the experience of the lucky folks who stop by.
This whole discussion is a perfect example of why the statement “with digital photography, embedded videos, and blogs, we don’t ever need to put ourselves through the ordeal of Burning Man to see some of the most interesting installations and performances. (I’m with you on the sand, the heat, and from what I understand, the lack of amenities like showers and running water, etc.)” isn’t correct.

You can’t see the most interesting parts of Burning Man, or get their meaning, by reading or looking at pictures.
Most of what is there is intended in humor, taking anything you see seriously will cause all sorts of false alarm in your reaction.

“Putting yourself through the ordeal” doesn’t describe my experience there at all. It’s some of the most fun I ever have. Anyone who wants amenities, like running water, showers, A/C, etc. is welcome to bring an RV to stay in, and a large number of people (like me) do just that.

By: Nehemiah

Nehemiah — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:57:50 +0000

Well all that said and done It’s nice to know the minds of our peers can still be so easily twisted. I guess the depths of our own lifes lack so much it is alot more entertaining to find some in somebody elses whether it be there or NOT. Kepp up the good work Doc.

By: Historiann

Historiann — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:52:43 +0000

Thanks for your comments, blyslv–and many happy returns to you and your wife.

By: blyslv

blyslv — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:49:28 +0000

My wife and were married by ol’ Doc Pyro, and the BDC&WB was one of the reasons I decided to “brave” the playa to attend BM. It’s one of the best decisions I ever made. A friend showed me her picture of the installation and I started making plans to go. The second year I ran something called the Gender Blender Bar, which was a barter bar. “Do” something with gender and I’d make you a drink. It was fascinating to see what people did and the transformations that resulted. This is by way of sharing what some of my prejudices and biases might be.

I’m interested in what ways squadratomagico might have participated in the event other then consuming other people’s art and passing rather sophomoric judgments on it.

I must take exception to the notion that the internet can replace “being there”. The internet is mediated, even an excellent blog cannot involve the senses to the degree that being there can. Without that effort, the impact is minimal.

Also I find it funny and very typical that the installation, like most good art; is actually an excellent blank canvass for other people to project their bias, preconceived notions and prejudices upon. The fact that the installation still sparks passionate conversation is a great thing.

Thank you.

By: Historiann

Historiann — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:38:52 +0000

Hi, Dr. Pyro–thanks for stopping by to comment. I think your exhibition is successful in that 1) it has attracted a lot of attention, and 2) provoked some strong feelings in people! It’s helpful to have some background from the artist on the project, so thanks.