Among Us Statue

Two weathered boots, laced tight, rest on a skateboard. This is the Among Us Statue. It’s a small, almost unassuming piece nestled against the modern lines of the Ethnography Museum in Budapest. The Among Us Statue isn’t just a quirky piece of street art. It’s a powerful symbol, layered with meaning and a direct nod to Hungary’s complex history with Soviet oppression. Ukrainian-Hungarian artist Mihajlo Kolodko deliberately chose October 23rd, 2022, to install this piece. This date is Hungary’s national holiday. It commemorates the 1956 revolution against Soviet rule. The location, 1956 Square, is equally significant. This square once held a towering statue of Stalin. During the revolution, the statue was torn down by the people of Budapest. Only Stalin’s boots remained, stubbornly planted on their pedestal. These boots became a potent symbol of the regime. The square was even nicknamed “Boots Square”. Kolodko’s Among Us Statue echoes this imagery. The two boots represent both Stalin’s past oppression and what Kolodko sees as a resurgence of similar oppression today. The bones protruding from beneath the boots are a striking detail. They symbolize a need to sever ties with the systems that have led to conflict. They are also a reference to the popular video game “Among Us.” The skateboard is a playful touch, acknowledging the skate ramp-like shape of the new Ethnography Museum, opened in May 2022. So, the next time you see a picture of the Among Us Statue, remember, it’s more than just two boots on a skateboard. It’s a poignant reminder of Hungary’s past struggles and a commentary on present-day concerns. It embodies the power of art to tell stories and spark conversations.