Pop Terror

Pop Terror is an artistic initiative that draws its inspiration from pop culture codes and the world of Art Toys. Launched in 2023 in Lille by a father-and-son French design duo, this project aims to create an original artistic proposition by inventing characters that serve as creative supports.

The essence of the Pop Terror project lies in the creation of characters that are both powerful enough to leave a lasting impression, yet neutral enough to allow each viewer to project their own imagination onto them. This unique approach enables a profound interaction between the work and its audience, paving the way for a multitude of personal interpretations.

Behind Pop Terror lies a fascinating intergenerational duo: a son and his father. Romain, 21, is a 3D FX Artist trained at the ArtFX , based at Plaine Images. His experience includes creating animations and 3D effects for film and advertising, as well as a stint in automotive design at KIA Europe Design Center. Fred, 48, is a graphic designer, a graduate of the Fine Arts Academy of Tournai in Belgium. His professional background includes roles as an illustrator for print and web publications, as well as a career as an Art Director in communications, transmedia projects, and animation, collaborating with giants such as Samsung, Airbus, France Télévisions, and the M6 ​​Group.

Popterror's story began with its creators' shared passion for contemporary art, graphic design, pop culture, and art toys. Their collaboration gave birth to the character "EQSO," the result of extensive graphic research and sketches. This playful and colorful world evokes the codes of childhood. The first prototypes were created in resin using a 3D printer, followed by a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter in February 2024. This initiative led to the production of a limited-edition collection of three art toys, each limited to 500 pieces.

Given the enthusiastic reception from the Art Toy community and toy makers, Pop Terror expanded its offerings by introducing new "Shapes" for larger formats and monumental creations. The project also opened itself to collaborations with other creators, such as the artist @hellomeda, who designed a series of limited-edition posters inspired by the EQSO creation.

Thus, Pop Terror represents a unique fusion between contemporary art and popular culture, offering a new field of expression for the collective and individual imagination.