The Doll: Psychological and Symbolic Resonances

Destiny Deacon, The 3 diss graces, 2009, inkjet print from digital image on archival paper, 60 × 45cm (Detail). Courtesy Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery

Arts Monday’s Jane Raffan delves into the psychological and symbolic resonances of the doll.

Interviews with Curators Dr Shirley Daborn and Victoria Harbutt shed light and offer insights and a myriad of  interpretations on the symbolism of the doll.

The exhibition Hello Dollies! (Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest, 2012) featured more than twenty artists with work dating from the 1940s until the present day.

Hello Dollies showcased works of art across diverse mediums including a life size woolen knitted sculpture, intricate pen drawings, photography, painting, assemblages and projection.

Interview I

Interview II

Exhibiting artists included Peter Baka, Penny Byrne, Gunter Christmann, Will Coles, Matt Coyle, Destiny Deacon, Adrienne Doig, Fiona Fenech, Rosalie Gascoigne, Barbara Hanrahan, Joy Hester, Di Holdsworth, Linde Ivimey, Kate Just, Deborah Kelly, Alasdair Macintyre, Tracey Moffatt, Mirka Mora, Janet Parker-Smith, Joan Ross, Sally Smart, and Peter Spilsbury. Also included is a variety of exquisite miniature doll tableaux.