Helen de Lacy
Let's Pretend
'Play is the work of a child' (Maria Montessori). A recent report published by the American Psychological Association warned that young girls exposed to sexualised toys such as Bratz dolls can develop depression, low self esteem and eating disorders in later years. This report has prompted a number of newspaper articles which blame Bratz dolls and pop groups such as The Pussy Cat Dolls for their over sexualised appearance and song lyrics and advise parents how to stop their pre-teen girls developing into sex objects. Like the Barbie and Sindy dolls before them the Bratz dolls are blamed for making girls want to grow up too fast and embrace adulthood. However other toys exist in the marketplace that promote adult behaviour, such as cleaning and cooking sets, make-up and vanity tables and baby dolls. The aim of this project is to explore how these objects not only mimic the traditional roles of womanhood but also prepares young girls to accept these duties.
Norma Collins • Robert Ellis • Ramona Farrelly • Kerstin Hamilton • Norabeth Hogan • Deirdre Keaney • Kate Levy • Angel Luis Gonzalez • Julie Lynch • Niamh Marron • Laura McGovern • Miriam O'Connor • Rachel Randall • Séamus Sullivan • Helen de Lacy • Maria de la Iglesia •
Camberwell College of Arts
BA (Hons) Photography
Cleveland College of Art & Design
BA (Hons) Photography
Dublin Institute of Technology
BA (Hons) Photography
Edinburgh College of Art
BA (Hons) Visual Communication - Photography