With a lively color palette and a mix of eclectic neo-pop art influences, POP&ROLL beckons pedestrians in Budapest to enter an immersive art gallery and retail space that also functions as a public restroom. Every aspect, from the overall concept and purpose to the interior design and graphic elements, embodies the whimsical essence of Miklós Kiss’ artistic creations.
The walls, furniture, and even the 20 toilets themselves act as a canvas showcasing close to 100 of Kiss’ pieces – featuring imagery drawn from the interiors of Budapest’s Eastern European spas and pools, as well as the pixelated gaming universe of the 1980s and 1990s. This unique spatial encounter serves as a public art installation in its own right, presenting an avant-garde take on art exhibitions that sparks imagination in one of the most unexpected settings.
But POP&ROLL is more than just an art gallery and store. It’s a public artwork in itself, redefining the concept of art exhibitions. The space is divided into three interconnected areas: the Art Gallery, Art Shop, and Art Toilet. Each space offers a new and exciting way to experience contemporary art.
In the Art Toilet, prepare to be fully immersed in a multisensory experience. Curated music and scents transport you into a world inspired by a fictitious video game, taking you on a journey from a dungeon battle scene to ultimate victory. It’s an avant-garde approach to art that truly ignites creativity in the most unexpected of places.
As you explore the Art Shop, your eyes will be drawn to a giant toy monkey, its facial features spelling out the word “ENJOY.” Its arms and legs have been transformed into armchairs, inviting visitors to take a moment to rest and soak in the artistic atmosphere.
Throughout POP&ROLL, you’ll encounter Kiss’ iconic creations, such as the Goldenroaches and Emograms. These graphic visuals and NFTs are scattered throughout the space, their faces composed of letters that express emotions, thoughts, or simply reflect on themselves. It’s like walking through a living museum, with storage cabinets showcasing these works as if they were precious artifacts.
But there’s more to discover within the walls of POP&ROLL. The entire interior is infused with the irony of life in the age of social media. Even the giant mouth painting that welcomes visitors at the entrance playfully hints at this, with its tongue-in-cheek title: “GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY LIKE.” And as you explore further, you’ll find the walls covered with likes, a clever nod to our obsession with social validation.
Miklós Kiss playfully wonders, “How many likes will this space receive?” This unique concept seamlessly blends art, design, and functionality, making it an irresistible spot for visitors to whip out their phones, capture a photo, and share it with the world online.