About the Non-Toys:
Non-toys are small sculptures, installations, and artifacts made from old, discarded materials (beams, wrought elements, fragments of agricultural tools, etc.), often crafted in a simplified manner. Their form and rawness resemble archaic objects.
The inspiration behind them comes from toys that children used to play with in the past, imitating the adult world. Placed in new contexts, the non-toys touch on essential human experiences: the hardship of everyday life, intimate relationships, love, as well as loneliness and death.
Non-toys stand in contrast to the contemporary world, full of colour and fast-paced imagery. In the consumerist, unrealistic, fairy-talesque world created by manufacturers, people are treated as objects — as customers, and in many cases, as products. The non-toys express a refusal to accept such treatment of the human body and spirit.
They also reflect an element of disability or imperfection: the human figures lack facial features, animal shapes are hard to classify, and the vehicles depicted could not function in real life. They oppose the pursuit of a “perfect human in a perfect world.” At the same time, they are a dream of a better world.
Piotr Rogaliński:
For the past twenty years, he has been active in the fields of theater, music, and visual arts. Drawing from traditional models, he creates set designs and stage decorations for concerts and performances.
He specializes in making sculptural toys and traditional Christmas carol figures, which he uses as props in theatrical work. He has also co-created performances as an actor. He runs theater workshops for young people and individuals with disabilities, and produces children’s radio programs inspired by folk culture. For several years, he has played in bands that perform traditional music.
He is the author of numerous visual arrangements for historical exhibitions and concerts.
The webpage of Piotr Rogaliński is found here.