Halloween is the perfect time to crack open the toy box of nightmares, so we’re revisiting the eerie and unsettling world of Rosemberg’s Forbidden Toys—this time with a spooky twist. From vintage horrors to newer nightmare fuel, these imaginative creations feel like lost relics from a childhood that took a very wrong turn.
While longtime fans may recognize some of these pieces, seeing them through a Halloween lens makes them feel creepier than ever. Rosemberg’s toys are creepy, funny, and unforgettable, tapping into that childhood fear we never really outgrew—the one where you swear the doll on the shelf blinked. So grab your candy, lock your closet, and scroll on… If you dare.
More info: Instagram | itsrosemberg.com
#1 Here’s Johnny! The Shining Bathroom Set By Playskool
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
Rosemberg’s Forbidden Toys emerged from his fascination with presenting a “nonexistent past through the formal conventionalism of advertising aesthetics exclusively centered on toys.” He explains, “Since it is a popular language, I find it especially interesting to twist it and invite reflection on the context and mechanics of products that could have existed, focusing on themes such as censorship, taboo, ideology, and religion”. By taking objects usually associated with innocence and subverting their meaning, Rosemberg challenges audiences to question what is considered socially acceptable and why.
#2 Sylvanian Families Cosmic Horror Playset By Tomy
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#3 Possessed Nancy Exorcisable Doll By Famosa
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
A conceptual artist with experience in film, music, and design, Rosemberg has long drawn inspiration from the toy world. “I have always been a great lover of the toy world (I have an almost impractical collection at home), and it has been a constant source of inspiration in my work. In one way or another, the toy world has always been present in everything I have done”. His earlier practice of leaving handmade toys on the streets has evolved into a digital exploration that combines traditional artistic methods with AI tools like DALL·E 3 and Midjourney.
#4 The Trolley Problem Philosophical Dilemma Toy By Tomy
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#5 My Lovely Pinhead Cenobite Doll By Vir 6w
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
While some of the Forbidden Toys are controversial, Rosemberg notes that public reception has largely exceeded his expectations. “I have received support from a very diverse group of people whom I greatly admire. I have also received criticism, but that is normal considering the nature of my work. Furthermore, since these criticisms are exclusively of a moral nature, they do not displease me; rather, they amuse me; as impotent rage is a spectacle in itself”. He also observes how audiences interpret his work in unpredictable ways: “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”.
#6 Grave Digger Crypt Raiding Game By Marppo
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#7 Fertilinova Gamete Competition Game By Mediterráneo
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
Though many Forbidden Toys exist digitally, Rosemberg has expanded the series into physical forms. Sculptures from the project have been exhibited at galleries such as Anneé Zero in Paris and are set to appear at EMOP in Berlin. Beyond exhibition, the artist emphasizes the conceptual goal: “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.”. The project continues to explore the space between imagination, humor, and discomfort, inviting viewers to reconsider the familiar objects that shape cultural and personal memory.
#8 Barnie Taxidermy Dissecting Plush Toy By Vir
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#9 Pluggy-Doo Christmas Edition Tactile Learning Toy By Playskool
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#10 Crazy Burial Compact Coffin Balancing Game By Mattel
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#11 My Juggalo Baby Icp Doll By Famosa
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#12 Summonlings Ritualistic Invocation Game By Enigma
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#13 Don’t Wake Michael! Nocturnal Stealth Game By Hasbro
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#14 Ouijatronic Afterlife Communication Game By Enigma
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#15 Echobeast Electronic Voice Distorter By Rommül
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#16 Littlest Meat Processing Farm Pig Slaughter Playset By Kenner
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#17 Divorce! Family Dispute Game By Ljn
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#18 Hellen Surprise Scary Electric Mask By Cristum
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#19 Zappy Electric Chair Board Game By Marppo
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#20 Glovebo Advanced Glove-Doll By Famosa
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#21 Preserving Ms. Judy Embalming Game By Bizak
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#22 Butcher Select Cuts Set By LEGO
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#23 Burzum vs. Mayhem Inner Circle Fight Game By Helvete
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#24 It’s Raw!!! Food Poisoning Electronic Action Game By Bandai
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#25 Water Fun Controversial State Torture Playset By Playmobil
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#26 Benny Max Mixing Fun Milkshake Maker Toy By Bizak
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#27 My Little Cult Esoteric Liturgical Sound System By Enigma
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#28 Grandpa’s Pedicure Elderly Nail Maintenance Game By Congost
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#29 Humanitarian Hero Sea Rescue Game By Cefa
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#30 Root Canal Dental Repair Game By Roman Corp
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#31 Prophecy At The Zoo Apocalyptic Family Game By Corgi
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#32 E.t. 2: Escape From Borneo Toys “R” Us Exclusive Playset
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#33 Smash & Grab Quick Hit Game By Congost
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#34 Crazy Burial Coffin Jogging Game By Mattel
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#35 Kosmetix Fun Draize Test Game By Galoob
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#36 Smitin Slime Monster Bottle By Creepmart Inc
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#37 Innerskelly Grief Counseling Electronic Talking Toy By Fisherplay
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#38 Foodneral Standard And Lite Vegetable Memorial Toy By Famosa
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#39 Human Blobfish Action Figure By Inunty
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#40 Repptal Lizard Roleplay Electronic Toy By Hjärna Electronics
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#41 Gan Bammn & Ramrai Action Figure 2 Pack By Congost
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
#42 Sztrylxz Babysitting Biodroid By Helyx
Image credits: the.forbidden.toys
