Can one picture a universe where art and design breathe life into planets, depicting the intricate patterns of human emotions and desires? Step into the extraordinary cosmos of Yoomoota, a universe meticulously crafted by Bangkok-based multidisciplinary artist and designer, Taras Yoom. Beyond a mere collection of artworks, Yoomoota unfolds as an intricate tapestry, weaving together sculptures, paintings, collectible designs, storybooks, and NFTs. In this magical world, planets represent different aspects of our lives.

Yoomoota is more than an artistic expression—it’s a reflection of the inner world and natural structure of a human being, manifested into a parallel universe complete with its planets and inhabitants. These planets are not just celestial bodies; they represent everything that exists in humanity on a global scale. Emotions, the body, addictions, pleasures, sins, knowledge, cravings, and childhood—all find a place in this vibrant and imaginative cosmos. As Yoom explores his universe, he introduces us to 23 planets, each inhabited by various characters that embody different aspects of human experience. From Candy Lady, the embodiment of sugar addiction, to Pillman, symbolising pill addiction, and the likes of Fast Money, Gameboy, Pure Love, and Inflated Ass, every character and planet is a thread intricately woven into the broader narrative of Yoomoota's various art forms.

At the heart of this magical universe is the new limited edition collectible chess set, Another Kingdom: Light Stage. With its delicate pastel and blue tones, this chess set transcends its gaming purpose, standing as a tangible product of creativity and craftsmanship. It represents a truce—a symbolic exchange between two kingdoms of knowledge and goods. The collection features 21 handcrafted chess sets, skillfully combining different techniques.

The manufacturing process behind this chess set reflects meticulous craftsmanship. Yoom employs a combination of techniques, including fine-detailed 3D printing from photopolymer plastic, moulding, sculpting, polymer casting with manual processing of objects and acrylic paint detailing. Each of these sets passes through a labour-intensive process, ensuring that it is not just a piece of art but a masterpiece with a unique identity.

One distinctive feature of this limited edition is the inclusion of an NFC chip in each set. This digital certificate serves a dual purpose. One, it authenticates and records the artwork’s ownership and provenance. Secondly, the integration of technology into the product design adds a layer of modernity to the traditional game, bridging the gap between the tangible and the digital world. Materials play a crucial role in shaping the chess set’s character. A harmonious blend of acrylic, metals, plastics, silicone and wood creates a visually stunning and texturally rich composition. The pastel and blue tones, carefully chosen by the designer, evoke a sense of tranquillity on a subconscious level, inviting players and admirers to experience a journey beyond the ordinary.

This digital art set belongs to the 19^th planet of the Yoomoota Metaverse – U2BeBetter, the planet of childhood. Here a galactic reserve houses endangered species of children’s toys that have come to life, symbolising the loss of innocence in the minds of adults. The planet, resembling a colossal amusement park interwoven with libraries, cinemas and nostalgic 20^th century leisure facilities, serves as a sanctuary where the past and present coexist in harmony.

According to the designer, Another Kingdom: Light Stage is part of a realm where inhabitants embark on a new story. It is an opportunity to return to origins, steering clear of conflicts and the destruction of neighbouring kingdoms. The chess set, with its metaphorical figures rising on two mountains and a central artefact resembling an old pocket watch, symbolises a new chapter in the universe. The game becomes a narrative; a story of victories where players uncover a treasure hidden at the centre of the board.

“In my view, this chess set signifies the start of a new era in one of Yoomoota’s planet’s development. It embodies the festive atmosphere of an endless fair, where the chess game yields two victories—physical and symbolic. The former aligns with classic chess rules while the latter promises the discovery of a hidden treasure at the board’s centre,” says the creative mind behind the masterpiece.

Exploring Yoomoota's vast universe unveils numerous planets, each offering a distinct lens on existence. The Emo planet, characterised by its spherical canvas adorned with colourful rings, stands as a powerful symbol of diverse emotions. Orginion, a clockwork utopia, uniquely personifies the intricacies of our physical interior. In contrast, Paradise, a magic-free tropical realm, propels inhabitants into an unconscious state, fostering an environment where limitless creation takes centre stage. Ada, a planet cloaked in frost, challenges inhabitants to tests for body and soul, while Wisdom, a realm of contemplation, houses thoughts and awareness. Repelling visitors with loud waves, the Sound planet requires special equipment for exploration. Showbizis a magnet for the universe’s brightest talents, and fashion cities as a collection of interplanetary marvels.

CeLumo, the planet of luck, appears unpredictably, and Physics, a spherical celestial body accumulates universal laws. A secret society of birds resides on the enigmatic planet, Secrets where wings are traded for intellect. The planet symbolising the variability of human life remains elusive but leaves a trail for tracking. I is a planet where all flora and fauna mirror you, a world where inhabitants replicate your every move. Beginnings is a recently discovered planet pondering on the inception of existence that raises eternal questions with answers that could shape the future. The Potato-1, a spaceship dispatched by Earth’s Five Fingers scientific organisation, embarks on a voyage into the Yoomoota universe. Wantland, a planet governed by kings embodying human addictions, divides itself into zones controlled by Pillman, Candy Lady, Gameboy and Commune.

Yoomota’s universe is closely tied to the designer’s beginnings in 1991. Once a doctor, Yoom now captains the Potato-1 spaceship, navigating the cosmos with a unique mix of artistry and scientific intrigue. His early career, balancing lab work and architectural projects, laid the groundwork for his distinct artistic style. “In my early 20s, I juggled roles in a lab and an architectural bureau, crafting interior design pieces and art. Blending art, design and biophysics in my mind, I create a fusion of organic and functional works,'' shares Yoom. This fusion brought histological patterns, molecular images and the colours of living organisms into his art, marking the beginning of his creative journey.

In Yoomoota, the sculpture artist explores beyond traditional artistic boundaries, delving into the practical side of everyday objects. His distinctive approach involves elevating the commonplace into something special, endowing each item with the potential to influence our perception and interaction with the world. Yoom’s creations merge functionality with aesthetics, encouraging individuals not only to appreciate the visual appeal but also to forge a personal connection. This marks a happy union of form and function, where art takes on a role in elevating our daily encounters.

"In my artworks, each item and character represents an element of human physiology and emotions, making them relatable to everyone,” expresses the Thailand-based designer. His chess set, a result of intellectual and artisanal labour, seamlessly merges various techniques. Yoom’s extensive use of colour, particularly the pastel and blue tones in this object, aims to evoke a sense of tranquillity and daydreaming on a subconscious level.

Yoomoota stands as the artist’s testament to the boundless creativity that emerges at the intersection of sculpture art, design and human experience. As we traverse the diverse planets, each revealing facets of our existence, we are invited to contemplate the rich tapestry of emotions, memories and reflections that define our journey through the cosmos. Yoomoota, with its captivating chess sets, vivid sculptures and imaginative narratives, beckons us to embrace the beauty and complexity of being human in a universe crafted from the depths of one artist’s visionary mind.