Artists Marianela Perelli and Emiliano Paolini's religious dolls exhibition in Argentina was cancelled after receiving threats and complaints from believers.
"We have received threats from various parts of the world," Paolini told FoxNews. "It's crazy... they have misinterpreted our work."
The exhibition, "Barbie: The Plastic Religion", featured a 33-piece collection of Barbie doll-style religious figures, including ones made up as the Virgin of Guadalupe, Joan of Arc and even the Hindu goddess of destruction, Kali.
One version of Ken is a portrayal of Christ on the cross, while others are in the style of Buddha and St Sebastian.
The exhibition was supposed to open this coming Saturday at the POPA gallery. However, the duo decided to cancel because of concerns that some found it offensive.
Paolini said he and Perelli had chosen Barbie and Ken as the inspiration for the exhibition because "religion always represents Virgins with the most beautiful women".
"Today the most beautiful woman is Barbie," he said.
"If there's a Barbie doctor, a teacher and a police officer, why shouldn't there be a Virgin of Lujan Barbie?" they said, according to Metro.
Paolini added that they are religious people and that he even has a tattoo with the word "Dios", meaning God, on his hand. Meanwhile, Perelli wears a necklace with the face of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
"We have a sanctuary in the kitchen that has more saints than the Vatican," he said.
Their Facebook page also gives an insight into the purpose of their craft: "In a world where we're rewarded for thinking, feeling and acting all the same, Marianela and Pool set themselves apart by rebelling.
"Through humor they highlight fictional, historical, religious, political universe where their elders are trapped."
