If it were not for a floral sculpture at a restaurant's entrance, people would have missed all the artworks. From shelves to corners, they camouflage quietly among furnishings. And the artist is no exception. Outfitted in a monochrome checkerboard dress, Prem Buachum blended with the background of a tearoom.
"As this is living space, art shouldn't get in the way," said Prem in an interview at the launch of their month-long exhibition at The Parlor. "Everything should flow."
A collaboration between Prem and The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, "Bloom As You Are" transforms the hotel's dining room into a meadow to celebrate Pride Month. It features the main sculpture, four large objects and 30 decorative items. All are upcycled from discarded textiles. While revelling in their beauty, guests can enjoy an exhibition-inspired afternoon tea.
"Flowers are common imagery in my works, and they come in handy to express individuality during Pride Month," they said.
It resonates deeply with Prem. In the past, they were caught in tension between authenticity and brand personality. Only when they become a full-time artist can they flourish. Held to celebrate Pride Month, "Bloom As You Are" envisions nature as freedom, sending a hopeful message that everybody should accept themselves and be accepted for who they are.
"Showcasing art is a proof that we are capable, regardless of gender. I don't feel the need to make any statement. At the end of the day, it is just happiness. I am celebrating my happiness," they said.
Running at Sala Dank until the end of the month, Prem's concurrent exhibition "Petals Of Becoming" also explores gender fluidity through the visual language of flowers. Some contain both male and female reproductive organs within a single bloom, while others morph according to environment.
Prem holds a bachelor's degree in product design from King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang. Prior to pursuing a full-time artistic career, they spent over three years accumulating professional experience in product design, especially creating decorative items for hotels and restaurants.
Prem turned to fabric scraps for the first time in the collection The Origin Of Rebirth, which won first prize at the RECO Young Designer Competition 2020. Tulip Tide, Pastel Full Bloom, The Meadow Of Freedom, Midnight Bloom and Softness Of Solitude are examples of their creations.
"Rebirth is a major theme in my works. I am fascinated by kindness and hope in fabric," they said.
As a textile artist and designer, Prem is known for turning fabric scraps into abstract, vivid landscapes. In "Bloom As We Are", however, they saw the potential to "get out of the frame". While retaining their style of using colourful, natural forms, they have created sculptures to fit the purpose of living space -- "But can we… touch?" a guest asked.
"My artworks aren't on the altar. I want people to interact with them, but please keep your hands clean. Touching can really enhance your sensory experience. For example, flowers in the mural on the wall can sway when the wind blows or people touch," they said.
Guests can also try edible art at Tease. From calamansi and blueberry cube to raspberry and rum, special menus take after their sculptures.
"Does your upcycling receive equal attention?" a visitor ventured. For Prem, there is more to their exhibition than appeal to the eyes.
Textile materials are discarded every day, from garment scraps and leftover clothing labels to selvage edges from jacquard weaving machines and thread remnants from carpet manufacturing. Prem gets them for free or buys them at lower prices from factories. Prior to a new lease of life, however, they undergo a meticulous sorting process.
So far, Prem has retrieved up to 600kg of fabric scraps for use in their projects, transforming industrial waste into textile art.
"I think they aren't scraps in themselves, but materials that aren't used properly. Upcycling opens up a new avenue to me. It creates value and reduces waste," they said.
"Bloom As You Are" is on view for free at The Parlor until June 30, while an exhibition-inspired afternoon tea is available at Tease until July 31.
