Taras Yoom presents Another Kingdom: Dichotomy chess set showcasing a battle between light and darkness
In a remarkable fusion of contemporary design, symbolic storytelling, and meticulous craftsmanship, Bangkok-based artist Taras Yoom has introduced a new limited-edition collectible chess set titled Another Kingdom: Dichotomy.
This release marks the latest chapter in the evolving Yoomoota universe—a fictional, allegorical world born from Yoom’s imagination—where every piece of art serves as a portal into deeper philosophical reflection.
The set was unveiled at PAD Paris, a prestigious design and art fair, held from April 2 to 6, where it drew attention for its unique artistic vision and technical sophistication.
Limited to just 21 handcrafted sets, Another Kingdom: Dichotomy is more than a board game—it is a sculptural narrative exploring the eternal struggle between opposing forces. Executed in stark black and white tones, the design pays homage to traditional chess aesthetics while simultaneously offering a modern conceptual twist.
According to the narrative Yoom has crafted, the world of Yoomoota has been split into binaries by the Star of Dichotomy, an eclipse-like cosmic force that erases all nuance, leaving only absolute contrast.
This dramatic setting provides the thematic foundation for the artwork’s dual kingdoms locked in endless conflict, symbolizing light and darkness, order and chaos, certainty and doubt.
Each chess set is the result of an elaborate creation process involving a synthesis of digital and manual techniques. Photopolymer 3D printing, molding, sculpting, polymer casting, and acrylic hand-painting come together to give life to the intricate figurines, all composed of a blend of acrylic, metals, silicone, and plastic.
Beyond its physical form, the set also embraces digital innovation—each unit is embedded with an NFC chip serving as a certificate of authenticity and digital ledger for provenance, merging tangible artistry with blockchain-adjacent technology.
In contrast to Taras Yoom’s earlier work Another Kingdom: Light Stage, which emphasized harmony and reciprocal exchange between kingdoms, Dichotomy embraces the idea of irreconcilable opposition. Here, chess transcends the limits of strategy and enters the realm of ethical confrontation.
For Taras Yoom, the board becomes a battleground not only for kings and pawns but for existential choices. There is no middle ground—every move embodies a moral stance, a declaration of allegiance to light or darkness. This stark thematic framing invites players and collectors alike to engage not only with the game but with the philosophical weight it carries.
Taras Yoom’s latest creation affirms his place at the intersection of conceptual art and collectible design, crafting experiences that challenge perception while preserving a deep reverence for traditional techniques. With Another Kingdom: Dichotomy, he continues to push the boundaries of what functional art can represent, turning a chessboard into a narrative tableau and an ethical inquiry, all within the hauntingly polarized world of Yoomoota.
All images courtesy of Taras Yoom
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