Taras Yoom, a Bangkok-based multidisciplinary artist, has unveiled his latest collection, “Echoes of Time.” This series of five design objects, including a mirror, floor lamp, trash bin, side table, and vinyl player, blends Paleolithic art influences with minimalist design elements. The collection explores the tension between technology and culture, bridging the gap between ancient forms and modern aesthetics.
A Fusion of Past and Present in Design
Each piece in the “Echoes of Time” collection reflects Yoom’s exploration of ancient art combined with contemporary technology. The designs feature materials such as white onyx, black quarry stone, pink marble, and metal. These objects, while modern in their utility, also carry a deep historical resonance, making them both functional and conceptually rich.
The “Collective Image” mirror integrates ancient stone beams into a metal surface, creating reflections that evoke layered narratives. The “Online” lamp, crafted from stone columns and chromed metal reflectors, captures light rays while symbolizing the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern design. The “Pit” trash bin elevates an everyday object into a work of art, echoing the sacred vessels of ancient cultures. Meanwhile, the “Support” side table symbolizes the origins of handcrafted objects, both in the collection and humanity.
Art as a Reflection of History and Humanity
The final piece in the collection, the “First Diamond” vinyl player, highlights the significant role of music in shaping communities throughout history, whether curative or destructive. Each design embodies Yoom’s vision of blending straight lines with suspended states—concepts that would have been impossible in ancient times.
Through this collection, Yoom creates objects that feel anomalous for their era yet deeply connected to human history. They reflect a unique aesthetic, simultaneously rough and refined, challenging traditional perceptions of art and design. The “Echoes of Time” collection not only repurposes elements of the past but redefines them for the modern world, making each piece both foreign to ancient history and unusual for the present era.