Lighting design has come a long way from simple table lamps, but most of us still expect our fixtures to look pretty much the same whether they’re on or off. That predictable approach is exactly what makes Taeg Nishimoto’s LOOPS lamp so refreshing and compelling to look at.
This sculptural piece looks almost boring during the day, but flip the switch, and suddenly your entire room transforms into a canvas of intricate shadows. The Japanese designer has created something that challenges what we think lighting should do, serving as a tangible marker of where light originates.
Designer: Taeg Nishimoto
At first glance, you might wonder what all the fuss is about. The lamp is built from pretty humble materials: sisal rope, plaster, concrete, and steel rods. Nothing fancy there, but Nishimoto’s approach to working with these materials is where things get interesting and unexpectedly organic. He starts with short pieces of sisal rope, each measuring between 35 and 60 centimeters, then untwines them to create loops that form unexpected shapes. The process sounds almost accidental, which is exactly the point Nishimoto wants to make about his design philosophy.
Each sisal loop gets temporarily stabilized with fabric hardener before being wrapped in carefully applied plaster layers. This isn’t the kind of plaster you’d pour into a mold, but rather a substance that transitions rapidly from liquid to solid, creating distinctly handmade surfaces. Individual plaster-covered loops are assembled into clusters, but not according to any predetermined plan. Instead, Nishimoto finds three or more contact points where the loops naturally touch, creating connections that feel as random as formations you might find in nature, like sand dunes.
The assembled cluster sits on four thin steel rods rising from a concrete base that houses the actual light source. This concrete cylinder provides stability while maintaining the lamp’s sculptural presence. Even this utilitarian element gets finished with plaster, creating visual continuity throughout the entire piece. The dimensions work out to roughly 40 to 50 centimeters in plan and 70 to 80 centimeters tall, making it substantial enough to command attention. But here’s where LOOPS really shines, literally. The dramatic transformation between its lit and unlit states is pretty remarkable to witness.
During the day, the plaster texture makes the entire sculpture appear relatively flat and unremarkable. Switch on the flood lamp hidden in the base, however, and suddenly the complex geometry reveals itself through shadows cast on walls and ceilings with almost mysterious effects. These aren’t just simple silhouettes, but intricate patterns that shift as you move around the room. It’s this interplay between light and shadow that elevates LOOPS beyond mere functional lighting into something approaching art installation. Nishimoto has created three prototypes so far, each one unique.
That said, there are some practical considerations to keep in mind with this design. The handmade nature means each piece will be different, which could be challenging for anyone wanting consistency. The lamp also relies heavily on placement and surrounding surfaces to create its shadow effects.
It might not work as well in every space, and you’ll need to consider how the shadows will interact with your existing decor. Still, LOOPS offers something refreshingly organic compared to typical mass-produced lighting fixtures. It’s a reminder that compelling designs can emerge from letting materials take the lead.
The post Sculptural LOOPS Lamp Creates Dramatic Shadows With Plaster and Sisal first appeared on Yanko Design.