Art And Dolls: An Imagınatıve Interplay

Official URL: https://risc01.sabanciuniv.edu/record=b3422564

This thesis explores the historical, cultural, psychological, and artistic significance of dolls, challenging their conventional conceptualization as mere playthings and revealing their complex symbolism and functions. The thesis examines the evolution of dolls in societal imagination through three iconic figures: the Venus of Willendorf, the Anatomical Venus, and Barbie. Reminiscent of ritual dolls, anatomy dolls, and toy dolls, these figures reflect changing perceptions of the female body and cultural ideals. The thesis also investigates the psychological aspects of doll play, from childhood to adulthood, highlighting its role in identity formation, emotional expression, and social interaction. It analyzes ten artworks by artists who have used dolls as their medium, exploring themes such as fetishism, the double, the surrogate self, myth-making, abjection, self- objectification, becoming, the idealized other, and the posthuman to demonstrate the diverse ways dolls can be used to engage with cultural, political, personal and psychological themes. Finally, the thesis reflects on the author’s artistic practice, where dolls serve as a medium for exploring personal experiences, childhood memories, healing and the complexities of identity and selfexpression.