Trans-Inclusive Barbie Photo Series: 'The Parts Don’t Matter'

Courtney Charles's Barbie-Inspired Doll Series

Artist and fashion photographer Courtney Charles recently revealed his latest project: a Barbie-inspired photo series that "celebrates both the camp and empowerment embodied by this iconic doll," according to a statement from Charles.

Utilizing both cisgender and transgender models, The Doll Series is meant to highlight the concept of transhumanism. "The Doll Series aims not only to bring joy to viewers but also to encourage critical thinking about transhumanism," Charles says. "Many of the Barbie models chosen for the series are trans, an apt metaphor for 'the parts don’t matter.'"

One of the stars of the series is trans model Jari Jones, known for her work with Calvin Klein. Jones plays "Disco Nap Barbie" in The Doll Series. Charles also points out that one of the highlights of the series is "Booty Bump Barbie," an image that role-reverses the character played by Margot Robbie in the 2013 film The Wolf of Wall Street; Robbie is the star of the upcoming Barbie film.

“It’s always fascinating watching people view the images in galleries and seeing some of them struggle with their attraction to them," Charles says. "Because the models are so attractive, viewers often don’t notice right away that the nipples and belly buttons have been removed. My hope is that they realize it’s the idea itself that they’re attached to more than any physical aspect.”

See images from The Doll Series below.