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Toys are an essential part of being a kid and though over time they have evolved and become more complex, a Spanish digital artist who goes by Rosemberg took them to the next level.

His latest project, "Forbidden Toys," explores themes such as censorship, taboo, ideology, and religion. The toys featured in this series are highly unconventional and quite controversial, encouraging behaviors like tattooing dogs or pursuing a butcher's career through a set of LEGO-style blocks. However, since it's purely a conceptual project, public reception has been surprisingly positive. As the artist himself shared: "The reaction has been much better than I expected, to be honest. I have received support from a very diverse group of people whom I greatly admire."

So, without further ado, we invite you into the gallery of part 2 of Forbidden Toys.

More info: Instagram | itsrosemberg.com

Bored Panda once again reached out to the artist. He shared more about himself.

“My name is Rosemberg, and Forbidden Toys is my latest project. As a conceptual artist, I have been leaving toys and other works on the street (and I still do), and I have formal studies in photography and film, although I can’t help but develop as many projects as I can. In one way or another, toys permeate all of my work.”

We were curious to learn about Rosemberg’s creative process. He responded: “I usually carry a notebook with me in which I write and draw, which helps me both to remember and to develop ideas. Regarding the images of Forbidden Toys, when I decide on a concept, the first thing I do is draw the kind of image I want, and then I wrestle with DALL·E 3 and Midjourney until I manage to generate all the elements I need for the image. Dealing with AI reminds me (in cinematic terms) of having to give orders to a brilliant art team that, at the same time, is incapable of understanding what it means to be human. Once I have all the pieces of the puzzle, I use editing programs to try to bring the image as close as possible to the idea I had in mind, which is the longest part of the process.”

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We asked Rosemberg whether he had ever scrapped a controversial toy idea after starting it.

The artist wrote: “I have left some half-finished images aside after realizing that they deviated too much from my usual tone and conceptual load. I’ve never backed away from an idea because it seemed too controversial to me, although now I try to choose carefully what I upload to Instagram because several photos have been taken down, and I don’t want my account to be closed; all the removed photos can be seen on my website.”

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“Forbidden Toys”: 29 Wild And Controversial Toy Ideas By Rosemberg (New Pics)

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Deson
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3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would love this just because it's so very, very wrong and to watch the looks upon my friends faces as the wonder about my sanity. Bonus points if you can open doors and peer inside windows revealing more horrors inside.

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All controversial topics or ideas involve unseen boundaries that even the artist might hesitate to cross. We asked if this is the case for Rosemberg as well, or if he believes everything is fair game in the name of creativity.

“This is a nuanced issue that would deserve many more lines than we can dedicate here, but, in a succinct and colloquial way, I would say that I believe in freedom of expression in its most absolute form, both inside and outside of art. Since any idea is susceptible to being considered inappropriate, I don’t believe there is an authority high enough to judge its mere expression,” shared Rosemberg.

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Rosenberg also shared what he would like for audiences to take away from his work.

“What I intend with the Forbidden Toys project is to give the impression that it's a toy that could have existed and then provoke reflection: who in their right mind could have conceived something like this, what purpose it might have, how it would work, etc. Aside from that, I’ve noticed that I have three types of audiences: those who appreciate my specific intent, those who think they are real objects, and those who are scandalized by moral issues—all three are wonderful.”

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Lastly, he added: “For information on purchasing sculptures or prints, please contact @anneezerogalerie or visit my website, and thank you very much for reading.”

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“Forbidden Toys”: 29 Wild And Controversial Toy Ideas By Rosemberg (New Pics)

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Deson
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3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would actually see this being made. Just need cutouts for the eyes , padding on the inside and an elastic band. Not by Mattel but I can see some demented maker for this.

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“Forbidden Toys”: 29 Wild And Controversial Toy Ideas By Rosemberg (New Pics)

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Sarah
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3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Preface: I would never ever do this. I've had thoughts about tattoos and Sphynx cats.

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“Forbidden Toys”: 29 Wild And Controversial Toy Ideas By Rosemberg (New Pics)

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LizzieBoredom
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3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also available in Hitler Homburg, Putin Pillbox, and the Stalin Shako.

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“Forbidden Toys”: 29 Wild And Controversial Toy Ideas By Rosemberg (New Pics)

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Ms. Mack
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3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can think of a politician or 500 that should be required to wear these.

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