In the years following World War II, the "Hungarian Cube" became the ubiquitous and standardized residential dwelling in Hungary.
Artist Katharina Roters' recent book, Hungarian Cubes: Subversive Ornaments in Socialism, explores the physical beauty of these buildings and the political subversion that they encompass.
Also known as the "Kádár Cube," named for the communist leader of Hungary from 1956 and 1988, these homes became the standardized housing option that was synonymous with postwar communism.
With little to no options for customization, residents found an opportunity for self-expression by painting the facades of these buildings.
Among a sea of nondescript conformity, the painted walls became a bold and powerful statement of individuality under communist rule.
Residents found inspiration in the Soviet painters of the era and decorated their homes in bright geometric patterns and forms.
Each home offered a blank canvas for self-expression.
And an opportunity to define a sense of self within a climate of social and political conformity.
Katharina Roters is a German-Hungarian artist. To view more of her work and to pick up your own copy of Hungarian Cubes: Subversive Ornaments in Socialism, check out http://www.park-books.com/.
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