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This isn’t the first time we’ve featured the bizarre toy concepts of this Spanish digital artist. In fact, this is part three, and the ideas are only getting wilder! Rosemberg has created an unusual collection called "Forbidden Toys." They feature a variety of highly questionable dolls and gadgets that you probably wouldn’t want your child to play with—it's more about the humor of the concept than actual play.

As imagination can run wild with generative AI, we were curious why the artist chose to focus on toys in particular. He shared that to him, "Toys are fascinating cultural artifacts—they are seemingly innocent objects, yet they reflect deep societal norms, taboos, and contradictions. By focusing on toys, I aim to explore how these objects carry symbolic weight and how they can be subverted to question broader cultural and social dynamics."

More info: Instagram | itsrosemberg.com

#1

Children playing with a controversial toy labeled "Burn the Heretic," featuring a doll on a fake fire setup.

the.forbidden.toys Report

RamiRudolph
Community Member
10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What would they need the controllers for?

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In a recent interview with Bored Panda, Rosemberg also shared whether he has a favorite toy from the “Forbidden Toys” collection.

He responded:Each piece in the Forbidden Toys series holds unique significance, but Pregnant Ken stands out due to the unexpected reactions it elicited. This particular piece inadvertently sparked a public controversy, leading to official statements from Mattel denying any association. The fact that it blurred the lines between reality and fiction to such an extent highlights the series' intent to provoke thought and challenge perceptions.”

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    #2

    Two children playing with a controversial toy called "Communion Zone" featuring a priest figure.

    the.forbidden.toys Report

    #3

    Child playing with "Prison Rat" toy, a controversial design by Rosemberg.

    the.forbidden.toys Report

    Diandra “Mss Didi” Blackthorn
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And THIS one has the Black kid... blatant racist stereotype. See how that works?

    Charley Graybell
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Turn up the electrodes if he won't confess

    VNES101
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They both look so happy to be rats.

    StPaul9
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You take it in turns and the loser is the one caught by the cop.

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    There were more reactions to these toys, and we wanted to know if Rosemberg has ever been surprised by how people interpret his work.

    He wrote: “Yes, absolutely. One of the most rewarding aspects of creating conceptual art is witnessing how viewers bring their own experiences and cultural backgrounds into their interpretations. Sometimes people see nuances or layers I didn’t initially intend, and that dialogue between the work and the audience becomes part of the piece itself. It’s a constant reminder that art evolves beyond the artist’s original intentions.”

    #4

    Boy with controversial toy "My Vato" featuring a tattooed character, depicted as a friend always by his side.

    the.forbidden.toys Report

    Mr.Mister
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok that doll clinging to the boy looks like some Horror Movie

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    As for the future, we were wondering if the artist has any plans to expand “Forbidden Toys” into other formats such as sculptures or exhibits.

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    Rosenberg replied:Yes, Forbidden Toys has already been expanded into sculptures, such as those exhibited in Paris during the summer at Anneé Zero gallery. I am currently in the process of producing several physical works, with plans to explore these concepts further in future exhibitions. Starting March 1, I will be participating in the EMOP at Guelman und Unbekannt in Berlin, where the series will continue to evolve. Additionally, I am preparing new works to expand the project throughout the year.”

    #6

    Child with controversial toy truck featuring miniature figures, titled "Foolin' La Migra."

    the.forbidden.toys Report

    Der Kommissar
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Appropriate considering what the Drumpf administration is up to these days

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    #8

    Barbie doll in a business suit with a mustache, part of controversial toy ideas by Rosemberg.

    the.forbidden.toys Report

    A. Br.
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I guess Dr.Phill figures immigrants have never seen a TV before

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    #11

    Child in bathtub with a factory toy pouring green liquid, labeled "Tubtox Industries" as a forbidden toy idea.

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    The person leveling NYC
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    5/5, stained my kid’s skin green and everyone calls him Hulk, apparently he likes that

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    #13

    Child interacts with a controversial toy resembling Santa with plug sockets, labeled "Pluggy-Doo Christmas Edition."

    the.forbidden.toys Report

    The person leveling NYC
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    After Winning Over 30 Class-Action Lawsuits, We Give You…

    #15

    Two children using a controversial toy with breathing masks and a control panel titled "Apnea Master".

    the.forbidden.toys Report

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    #16

    Children in a futuristic sleep device, highlighting controversial toy concepts by Rosemberg.

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    Willoughby Pettigrew
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "The use of NAP HERO may lead to severe and irreversible brain damage. The product contains highly radioactive materials, which pose significant health risks, including but no limited to, radiation poisoning, neurological disorder and cancer."

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    #17

    Two children building a shrimp tower with a cartoon shrimp, part of Rosemberg's controversial toy ideas.

    the.forbidden.toys Report

    The person leveling NYC
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “Product contains real shrimp. Kids get the fun of mass slaughtering them.”

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    #18

    Kids with controversial toy moose on colorful platform, evoking wild and forbidden toy ideas by Rosemberg.

    the.forbidden.toys Report

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    #20

    Child playing with controversial toy set, featuring a doll on an operating table, from Rosemberg's unique collection.

    the.forbidden.toys Report

    El Cucuy
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pulp Fiction reference for those that may not recognize it.

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