Did you know that Budapest is full of tiny whimsical treasures? These treasures are largely thanks to artist Mihály Kolodko. He is a Ukrainian-Hungarian sculptor. Kolodko has been creating miniature sculptures since 2010. He has been in Budapest since 2017. These small artworks add unique twists to the city. They transform the everyday into something extraordinary. We are standing before one of these amazing Térplasztika Sculptures.
Kolodko was born in Uzhhorod in 1978. His father was Ukrainian and his mother was Hungarian. He studied monumental sculpture. But he ended up as a guerilla sculptor. He creates surprising moments of wonder. His mini masterpieces are smart and detailed. They prove art does not have to be grandiose to be great.
One of Kolodko’s sculptures is the Főkukac. This little worm was Kolodko’s first public statue in Budapest. Főkukac is from the Hungarian cartoon “A nagy ho-ho-horgász”. He is the bait used by the Great Fisherman. Kolodko placed it where Halász utca meets the Danube. He watched the cartoon to learn Hungarian.
Another interesting Térplasztika Sculpture is the Sad Tank. It sits on Batthyány Square. This piece symbolizes the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. The tank’s gun is slumped. This represents the revolution’s failure.
You might also spot Kermit the Frog. He is near Freedom Square. This statue nods to the introduction of frog legs to Hungarian menus. Locals often knit him a scarf in winter.
Have you seen the Urinal? It used to be near Vajdahunyad Castle moat. It was an homage to Marcel Duchamp’s “Fountain”. Some thought it commented on the lack of public toilets in Budapest. Sadly this piece was stolen.
Mekk Elek stands at Széll Kálmán tér. He is a goat character from a 1970s TV show. Mekk Elek represents an Eastern European jack-of-all-trades. He is holding a sign reading “Moszkvatér”.
The Dead Squirrel is another weird statue. It features Peter Falk as Columbo and a dead squirrel. The squirrel clutches a pistol. It may be a homage to Maurizio Cattelan’s “Bidibidobidiboo”.
Herzl Tivadar sits on a lamp post. It is next to the Great Synagogue. Herzl was the visionary of the Jewish state. The sculpture shows him with his bicycle.
Look for the Checkered-eared Bunny on Castle Hill. This character was from a popular animated series. It aired in the U.S. as “The Bunny In the Suitcase”.
Another prominent Térplasztika Sculpture is the Rubik’s Cube. It’s a tribute to Hungary’s contribution to pop culture. It sits by the river across from Parliament.
Libido is a nod to Jeff Koons. It features a balloon dog with a bone. The sculpture symbolizes attraction. You need to view it from the right angle.
A 14-carat Roadster adorns Rejtő Jenő street. It is named after the author of pulp novels. Rejtő died in a labor camp. His works became popular after the 1960s.
The Diver and the Key commemorate a legend. Ferenc Molnár threw the New York Café’s key into the Danube. This was so the café could never close.
Noah’s Ark sits in Bethlen Gábor tér. It is an ode to diversity. If you come at the right time, you can see a rainbow inside.
Seress Rezső is on the wall of the Kispipa restaurant. He composed “Gloomy Sunday”. He lived in poverty in Budapest.
The Lunar Rover is on Hold utca. It is a tribute to Ferenc Pavlics. He designed the wheels for NASA’s Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle.
These Térplasztika Sculptures offer us a glimpse into Budapest’s culture. Each one has a unique story. They add charm to the city’s streets. Keep an eye out for more of Kolodko’s amazing work. They are truly hidden gems.