Dina Goldstein

Dina Goldstein photographer Dina Goldstein’s artistic journey spans over three decades, beginning as a photojournalist and eventually evolving into an independent artist with a focus on elaborate narrative photography. Her work is a testament to her intricate social commentary, blending cultural archetypes and collective imagery with narratives rooted in the human experience. Drawing from surrealism, Dina constructs compositions that lay bare the underbelly of contemporary life, challenging prevailing cultural influences and deep-seated belief systems. In 2007, Dina Goldstein embarked on a specific journey, fueled by personal experiences and a critical view of the “happily ever after” narrative perpetuated by Disney and embraced by Western society. As a feminist and new mother, she took issue with the stereotypical portrayals of women and girls in Disney’s stories. Her series “Fallen Princesses” (2007-2009) features humanized fairy tale princesses confronting modern-day challenges like cancer, addiction, obesity, war, and environmental degradation. This poignant work earned her the Prix Virginia in 2014, an international prize for women photographers, and led to exhibitions in Paris, Quebec and in the United States. Dina’s subsequent project, “In The Dollhouse” (2012), unfolds within an intricately conceptualized, life-sized dollhouse inhabited by human Barbie and Ken dolls. In this alternative reality, Barbie undergoes a transformation by cutting her iconic blond locks, while Ken embarks on a journey of self-discovery. The series sparks discussions about unattainable beauty ideals, the myth of perfection, and the relationship between beauty, power, and happiness. “In The Dollhouse” has been widely exhibited, including a feature in the Musee D’Orsay’s Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera catalog and inclusion in the FotoMuseo collection in Colombia. Her ambitious project “Gods Of Suburbia” (2014) delves into the world of established and fringe religions. Deities from various traditions are portrayed as mortal, adapting to the challenges of modern life. By offering an iconoclastic interpretation of how ancient belief systems intersect with modernity’s pillars—technology, science, and secularism—Dina’s surreal creations prompt viewers to contemplate the relevance of ancient ethics and enduring belief systems. The series has been exhibited internationally, with “The Last Supper” finding particular resonance in Italy. Full Name Dina Goldstein Nationality Canadian Year of Birth 1969 Principal Technique Photography Range of Pricing from 1500 € to 14000 € Presence in Institutional Collection Yes Presence on the Secondary Market Yes Be compelled by reimagined classic fairy tale princesses that confront the harsh realities of contemporary life, offering a powerful commentary on the modern woman’s experience. Presenting a captivating narrative within a life-sized dollhouse, this highly conceptual series delves deep into the psyche of the iconic Barbie and Ken dolls, inviting viewers to reconsider the roles they play in perpetuating notions of beauty and self-worth. Through surreal and thought-provoking imagery, Dina Goldstein masterfully explores the collision of ancient deities with the complexities of modernity, vividly humanizing these divine figures and prompting viewers to contemplate the relevance of ancient belief systems in our tech-driven world