Andras Istvan Arato, the man behind the ‘Hide the Pain Harold’ meme, is currently in Singapore. The 79-year-old Hungarian engineer, famous for his pained smile in a series of stock photos, is attending the Token 2049 cryptocurrency event at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) from September 18 to 19. Arato is a guest of Web3-focused studio Memeland and NFT community Arc.
Background
Arato gained viral popularity in 2011 after appearing in stock images that showcased his distinctive pained smile. These images quickly turned him into an internet sensation, known globally as ‘Hide the Pain Harold’. The meme has since become a staple in online humour, symbolising concealed discomfort or awkwardness.
Walking meme
On September 18, Arato posted a photo on the ‘Hide the Pain Harold’ Instagram account, featuring himself smiling against the backdrop of MBS. The caption read, “What a night!!!” In the photo, he was holding a cup adorned with a sticker of his own face, further cementing his meme status.
Arato’s journey
Arato’s journey to meme fame began in 2011 when his stock photos went viral. Born in 1945 in Hungary, he worked as an electrical lighting engineer and university lecturer in Budapest. Despite his unexpected internet fame, Arato has embraced his meme persona, attending various events and engaging with his online community.
Future implications
Arato’s presence at Token 2049 highlights the intersection of internet culture and emerging technologies like cryptocurrency and NFTs. His involvement with Web3-focused projects and NFT communities suggests a growing trend of meme figures participating in tech events, potentially influencing the future of digital culture and online communities.
