Exhibition at The Parlor and a limited-edition Afternoon Tea at TEASE
Flowers, fabric scraps and a fresh perspective.
This June, Bangkok-based artist Prem Buachum, better known as Prem.artistic, takes over The Parlor and TEASE with Bloom As You Are — an exhibition exploring individuality, self-expression and the idea that there's no single way to grow.
Known for transforming discarded textiles into vibrant, tactile works, Prem creates pieces that blur the line between art, craft and installation. The exhibition is paired with a limited-edition Afternoon Tea at TEASE, where colourful creations inspired by his work make their way onto the menu.
We caught up with Prem to talk colour, Bangkok, rituals and why flowers never really go out of style.
Pride Month celebrates individuality in all its forms. What made The Standard feel like the right place to bring Bloom As You Are to life?
To me, *Bloom As You Are* is all about celebrating individuality without boundaries. This resonates deeply with The Standard’s DNA. It’s far more than just a hotel; it acts as a vibrant global hub that brings together travelers from all corners of the world, effortlessly melting different nationalities, languages, and rich cultural backgrounds into one space. This open, dynamic, and inclusive energy makes it the perfect stage to bring my upcycled textile art to life, allowing it to speak of personal blooming freely and cross-culturally.
What does “Bloom As You Are” explore about identity and becoming, and why was it important for you to express it now?
This project explores the journey of "becoming"—what it takes to grow into who we are today. It’s mirrored in the industrial textile remnants I use; they had previous lives and functions, but when rewoven, they bloom into a completely new form of value. I feel that today, embracing every scar and transition to become your authentic self is more important than ever.
Most artists start with a blank canvas. You start with textile leftovers. What keeps drawing you back to materials that have already had a previous life?
While a blank canvas starts from zero, textile leftovers start with a "story." Whether it's selvage edges from jacquard weaving or carpet thread remnants, these materials carry their own history, texture, and lingering emotions. Upcycling and breathing new life into them is a beautiful challenge. It allows me to converse with the past while shaping a new future for them.
When you're not in the studio, where in Bangkok do you like to wander? Any neighborhoods, cafés or hidden spots you keep going back to?
When I need a break, I love wandering around historic neighborhoods like Song Wat or Talat Noi. The contrast between old architecture, traditional communities, and modern creative spaces is incredibly inspiring. Sometimes, I also find myself walking through textile markets, just observing the colors and the movement of different materials.
What's something outside the art world that's inspiring you right now?
Flowers, nature, and the simple joys around me. I’ve always loved flowers because each bloom carries its own distinct meaning and reflects a beautiful spectrum of human emotions. Lately, I’m drawn to things that are visually comforting and instantly bring happiness—whether it's a flower blooming, organic natural elements, or uncomplicated beautiful things in daily life. These layers of feelings and natural flows heavily inspire the vibrant colors and shapes in my recent work.
From the tea collaboration at Tease, which menu item stands out to you most, and why?
My absolute favorite is the Pride Tropical Trifle Sundae. Each spoonful offers an incredible diversity of ingredients, from Lacto tomatoes and olive oil jam to passionfruit ice cream. It’s a wonderful fusion of vibrant colors and rich flavors that blend perfectly together, making it an incredibly delicious and refreshing treat.
If you weren’t an artist, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
Given my background in product design and my experience in creating decorative items, if I weren't a full-time artist, I would probably still be working as a product designer or a material researcher, focusing on sustainability and finding innovative ways to repurpose industrial waste.
If you could collaborate with any fashion brand, who would it be?
I would love to collaborate with brands that place supreme value on world-class craftsmanship and material inspiration, like Loewe or Bottega Veneta. Both fashion houses possess a profound dedication to exquisite artisanal work and highly distinct textures. Merging their design ethos with my textile practices and cross-weaving techniques would definitely resultin a fascinating and multidimensional creation.
Bloom As You Are is on view at The Parlor throughout June, while the limited-edition Bloom As You Are Afternoon Tea is available at TEASE until the end of July. Come for tea. You might end up staying for cocktails.
