# Solemn Barbie Hybrids Artist X.Mu Mixes Real-Life People With the Iconic Barbie By Chérie Chic | Published 2012-02-21 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-girl-next-door References: [flic.kr](http://flic.kr/p/bwUt76) & [flickr](http://www.flickr.com/photos/50457765@N04/sets/72157629410271327/with/6913300179/) By hybridizing a woman with a [Barbie doll](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barbie-dream-fest), artist X. Mu successfully comments on the modern digital age and social era -- tired or sad faces covered by [plastic smiling dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inedible-doll) are metaphors of an era where everything needs to be smoothed and perfected. Hybridization is not a new practice in contemporary art, but this work takes an entirely fresh approach to the technique. In this work, X.Mu shows how one can be a [doll-like person](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pavilions-of-wonder) because of social pressures pressing one to be smart and positive. I think the message of this work is to simply be ourselves as opposed to covering feelings and human nature with a plastic-like facade in an attempt to fit in with society. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 59% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Hybridization Art:** Opportunity to explore further the technique of hybridizing different subjects in contemporary art - **Digital Age Commentary:** Innovation opportunity for artists to create works that will critique or reflect on the impact of modern technology on society - **Authenticity Acknowledgment:** Potential trend of recognizing the beauty and value of authenticity over superficial perfection ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Contemporary Art:** Exploring innovative approaches to art techniques and themes - **Fashion and Beauty:** Reflecting on the role of fashion in setting unrealistic standards of beauty - **Social Commentary:** Creating works that address societal issues and challenge established norms ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Art-Inspired Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-mattel-x-moma.md) - [Glamorous Artful Bronze Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-jane.md) - [Barbie Paint Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/backdrop-x-barbie.md) - [Iconic Doll-Inspired Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barbie-the-exhibition.md) - [Art-Focused Retail Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mattel-2.md) - [Doll-Inspired Fashion NFTs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barbie-doll-nfts.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Biology-Inspired Porcelain Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shiyuan-xu.md) - [Doll-Inspired Modern Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pavilions-of-wonder.md)