In Budapest, Miklós Kiss Invites Visitors to Engage With Art in One of the Most Unexpected Places.

In the heart of Budapest, a unique project by the multifaceted artist Miklós Kiss, a.k.a Kissmiklos, redefines the intersection of art, design, and function. Pop&Roll is a Gesamtkunstwerk (‘total work of art’) that integrates an art gallery, an art shop, and an innovative public art toilet into a cohesive and immersive experience. This ambitious project encapsulates Kiss’s vision of making art an accessible and integral part of daily life, transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary aesthetic experiences.

The Art Toilet is a bold fusion of utility and artistic expression. Nearly 100 artworks and 20 unique toilets transform a mundane necessity into an engaging environment. Kiss’s mission is clear: to make art enjoyable and an integral part of everyday life. Visitors are invited to engage with art in one of the most unexpected places, a public toilet. “The concept transforms everyday utility into an extraordinary aesthetic experience,” says Kiss, “inviting visitors to engage with art in one of the most unexpected places.” The toilets, each uniquely themed, draw inspiration from Eastern European spas, 80s and 90s pixel video games, and Kiss’s characteristic goldenroaches and emograms.

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The Art Shop, with its elegant and playful design, blurs the lines between function, design, and art. A giant toy monkey, emblazoned with the word “ENJOY,” has been transformed into armchairs, serving as functional seating and a selfie point. The walls are covered in “likes,” questioning the value and impact of social media approval. This space dances on the border between design, function, and art, challenging visitors to ponder the intersection of art and commerce.

In the Art Gallery, visitors are presented with artworks in a traditional “white cube” space, allowing the pieces to stand out without distraction. The colourful acrylic paintings and plastic sculptures may seem straightforward at first glance, but they often carry deeper meanings related to themes such as war, social media, and the historical context of the Eastern bloc. Kiss’s work reflects on the depersonalisation of wars and the hunger for love created by social media, presenting a poignant commentary on contemporary issues.

Pop&Roll Art Shop (top) and Art Gallery (above).

Artist Miklós Kiss, aka Kissmiklos seen here within his creation.

Kiss’s integration of irony and social commentary permeates the entire project. The Art Toilet’s “GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY LIKE” painting, visible as soon as visitors step into the staircase, reflects on the pervasive influence of social media culture. Lockers that double as museum showcases display 106 artworks and installations, including altered toys with emogram faces and graffiti tags proclaiming “JUST DECORATION.” These elements encourage visitors to reflect on the relationship between art, society, and everyday life.

Pop&Roll speaks to Miklós Kiss’s commitment to making art accessible and engaging. Blending humour with social commentary, this project transforms the ultimate spatial underdog into an extraordinary aesthetic journey that breaks down the barrier between everyday life and artistic experience.

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[Images courtesy of Miklós Kiss. Photography by Daniel Herendi.]