Chess, with its nearly 1500-year history, still exudes an aura of mystery and darkness, making it one of the most fascinating intellectual sports. The pawn, the rook, the bishop, the knight, the queen, and the king are the pieces we all know, and they animate the game when placed on the board. Even Queen’s Gambit, masterfully played by Anya Taylor-Joy, has helped bring this game into popular culture. However, there are four chessboards of our dreams: from the one created by Damien Hirst to that by artist Taras Yoom, including the Travelling Chess Set by Tracey Emin and the Modern Chess Set by Rachel Whiteread.

Starting in the world of art, we have Damien Hirst‘s Mental Escapology, which includes thirty-two game pieces, a glass and steel table, and two white leather dentist chairs. It was sold in 2006 for the modest sum of £408,000 by Phillips.

Continuing our dream, there’s the Travelling Chess Set by Tracey Emin from 2008. Certainly more spartan than Hirst’s work, this chessboard carries a more familiar, hand-made component. The metaphor of the chess game here tells a story of courtship on a miniature sheet (the board is made of fabric). Finally, there’s a love message in the ribbon that ties the work’s case.

Rachel Whiteread‘s Modern Chess set also holds a special place in our hearts, tackling themes like the domestic environment, memory, nostalgia, and even gender roles within the family. Composed of miniature furniture and appliances inspired by the 1950s, this game narrates a battle of the sexes enclosed in a box measuring approximately 23.5 x 80.6 x 41 cm.

To conclude, halfway between art and design, there is the chessboard designed by Taras Yoom, Light Stage. This work was created using a combination of detailed 3D printing from photopolymer plastic, molding, sculpting, polymer casting, and meticulous acrylic paint detailing. Each piece exudes artistry and sophistication. The final effect is achieved through the use of materials ranging from acrylic and metals to plastics, silicone, and wood.