Pocahontas - Fallen princess - Size M, 2008
Dina Goldstein

Fallen Princesses

“Fallen Princesses" by photographer Dina Goldstein is a captivating and thought-provoking collection that puts a contemporary spin on timeless fairy tale characters. Dina Goldstein skillfully brings these princesses into the real world, confronting them with the often harsh realities of life Modern The juxtaposition of the magical and the mundane, where the beloved princesses grapple with issues such as illness, environmental degradation, divorce and societal pressures, challenges perpetuated idealized notions. through traditional tales Through her photographs, the artist raises important questions about societal expectations, the roles of men and women and the resilience of women in the face of adversity, inviting viewers to reconsider preconceived ideas. and to appreciate the strength needed to navigate the complexities of today's society.

Each photograph in “Fallen Princesses" serves as a poignant narrative, highlighting the multidimensional struggles women face beyond the enchanting stories. By deconstructing these fairy tales and placing the princesses in contemporary contexts, Goldstein offers a representation raw and honest about the challenges women endure, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex roles they play in society. The collection inspires us to think about the lasting impact of these iconic figures and the importance of recognizing and understanding. 'address real-world issues that affect women from all walks of life.

Dina Goldstein's creative odyssey spans three decades, moving from photojournalism to a bold exploration of narrative photography. His work presents itself as a complex critique of societal norms, intertwining iconic cultural symbols and shared visual motifs with stories rooted in the essence of the human condition Dina's art, rooted in the principles of surrealism, unveils the complexities of modern existence, questioning the dominant cultural narratives and ingrained ideologies that shape our perceptions.

Initiated in 2007, Goldstein's artistic enterprise, inspired by his personal reflections and a scrutinizing perspective on the conventional notions of "happily ever after" propagated by Disney narratives and widely accepted in Western culture, delves into the reimagined lives of the princesses of fairy tales through his series “Fallen Princesses" (2007-2009). As a feminist and mother of a daughter, she critiques traditional depictions of femininity and childhood in Disney stories. Her portraits of princesses grappling with contemporary issues such as illness, addiction, environmental crises and war have resonated widely, culminating in her receipt of the prestigious Virginia Prize in 2014, an international honor for women photographers, and presenting his work in exhibitions across Paris, Quebec and the United States.

Her next venture, "In The Dollhouse" (2012), reveals a narrative set in a meticulously designed full-scale dollhouse where human versions of Barbie and Ken navigate through the vicissitudes of life. This series illuminates the absurdity of pursuing unattainable standards of beauty and perfection, and the complex dynamics between appearance, authority, and contentment. She gained international recognition, appearing in the Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera catalog at the Musee D'Orsay and becoming part of the FotoMuseo collection in Colombia.

With “Gods Of Suburbia" (2014), Goldstein ventures into the realm of religious iconography, depicting deities of various faiths grappling with the trials of contemporary society. This work offers a provocative view of the adaptation of ancestral spiritual entities to realities shaped by technology, science and secular values, challenging audiences to reflect on the enduring significance of traditional moralities and beliefs in today's world 'today. The collection has enjoyed worldwide recognition, notably "The Last Supper", which attracted significant attention in Italy.