Pop-Roll Art Toilet is an immersive experience that blends art, design, and functionality in Budapest, Hungary.
Contents
Project Background and Concept
Located in the heart of Budapest, Hungary, Pop-Roll is a unique project by Hungarian multifaceted artist Miklós Kiss. It redefines the intersection of art, design, and functionality by combining an art gallery, an art shop, and a public art toilet. This innovative space offers an immersive experience where art becomes accessible and engaging for everyone, reflecting Kiss’s vision of making art accessible and thought-provoking. The project skillfully integrates humor and social commentary, transforming a typically mundane space into an exceptional aesthetic journey, blurring the lines between everyday life and artistic experience. This project is a prime example of how art can be incorporated into public spaces.
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Art Toilet Design and Experience
Stepping into the art toilet, you are greeted by a large-scale artwork depicting a mouth holding a pill with an MDMA-like emoticon. Titled “GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY LIKE,” this piece sets the tone for the artist’s playful critique of social media. The overall experience is multi-sensory, featuring curated music and scents that enhance the space’s atmosphere and artistic intent. Visitors can explore three interconnected spaces: the art gallery, the art shop, and the art toilet, each offering a distinct perspective on art and design. The experience encourages visitors to rethink their relationship with public spaces and how design can impact and transform these everyday environments. The art toilet interior is a unique blend of whimsical and thought-provoking design elements, fostering a reflection on societal norms and social media’s influence.
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Art Shop and Merchandise
Adjacent to the art toilet is the art shop, which features exclusive art pieces, prints, and unique merchandise designed by Kiss and other artists. The art shop, unlike the art toilet, is designed to be more understated. A giant toy monkey, modified to serve as both a functional chair and a photo opportunity spot, adds a playful touch to the space. The walls are decorated with thousands of “likes,” further adding to the space’s engaging design and emphasizing social validation. Kiss’s signature visual elements, the Goldenroaches and Emograms, can be found throughout the Pop-Roll project. Emograms are based on emoji, featuring faces crafted from the letters of words, each expressing a unique emotion, idea, or contemplation. The art shop offers a platform to discover and acquire art pieces that reflect the project’s overall philosophy of integrating art into daily life.
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Art Gallery and Exhibitions
The art gallery is an integral part of Pop-Roll, serving as a space to showcase both emerging and established artists. The gallery design embodies a stark contrast to the art toilet and art shop. It features traditional “white cube” aesthetics, allowing the art pieces to stand out. It is a space dedicated to exhibiting contemporary art, including the works of Miklós Kiss and other artists. The first exhibition, “POP BY,” was held in March, featuring new and old works by Miklós Kiss, and served as a preview of the art toilet and shop. The Pop-Roll art gallery encourages a dialogue about the intersection of art and commerce, inviting visitors to contemplate the interplay between creative expression and the commercial aspects of the art world.
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Design Features and Aesthetic
Miklós Kiss designed the concept, function, interior design, and graphic design for the space. The project integrates approximately 100 pieces of art and 20 unique toilet designs within a specially curated interior, utilizing style elements of neo-pop art. The spaces and art objects create a cohesive public artwork, merging functionality with art and design. The design is whimsical and imaginative, even down to the smallest details. It highlights Kiss’s signature neo-pop aesthetic, drawing inspiration from Eastern European spa environments, 80s and 90s pixel-based video games, and the artist’s signature Goldenroaches and Emograms. The blend of influences results in a space that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The design exemplifies an exciting approach to public spaces and art.
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Social and Cultural Impact
The Pop-Roll project’s design is a reflection of its social commentary and cultural context. It encourages visitors to think about the relationship between art, society, and everyday life. Some of the toilet stalls feature life-size sculptures of individuals dressed in 18th-century attire. These installations feature a “Do Not Disturb – Art is an Unwelcoming Society” sign, adding a layer of critique to the design. The museum-style locker display houses 106 works of art and installations, including modified toys with Emogram faces and graffiti tags that read “JUST DECORATION.” These elements are designed to spark conversations and reflections on the social implications of art and its role in our lives. Pop-Roll’s design challenges visitors to think outside the box and consider how art can interact with various societal contexts.
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Project Information:
Project Type: Art Toilet, Gallery, and Shop
Architect: Miklós Kiss
Area: Not specified
Year: 2023
Country: Hungary
Photographer: Not specified
