Turning the forgotten into the unforgettable, artist Taylor Smith transforms old floppy disks into vibrant portraits that celebrate history, culture, and memory.
Each floppy disk holds a story, and every portrait offers a fresh perspective on history.
Imagine a world where discarded floppy disks become vibrant portraits of the people who shaped history and culture. That’s exactly what Taylor Smith does.
Based in Indianapolis, Taylor has found a unique way to blend creativity, history, and sustainability. Instead of letting old floppy disks end up in landfills, she transforms them into works of art. Each disk becomes part of a bigger picture literally honoring famous figures in pop culture and history while giving new life to forgotten technology.
Her art isn’t only about the subject, it’s also about the story the medium tells.
Every painting tells two stories at once: one of the icons and the floppy disks that form it. The disks carry a sense of nostalgia, while the portraits bring the subject to life. Taylor combines painting, screen printing, and layering techniques to turn something considered obsolete into something memorable and meaningful.
Her process is hands-on and thoughtful. She carefully selects and arranges the disks before layering paint and ink, creating texture and depth that a regular canvas cannot offer. The result is art that not only looks striking but also makes viewers pause and reflect on the connection between memory, technology, and creativity.
“I think of my work as a bridge between what we choose to remember and what time tries to erase. Even in obsolete technology, there’s a trace of humanity a record of our hopes, mistakes, and imagination,” Taylor shares how her work creates a bridge between history and today.
Taylor’s work is playful, yet deeply respectful. Each portrait honors its subject while inviting viewers to feel connected to the past. The disks, once symbols of technological progress, now carry memory, culture, and meaning. People often find themselves smiling, remembering old tech, or reflecting on the stories behind the icons.
It’s a creative way to connect the past to the present. Taylor’s floppy disk series reminds us that the things we think are lost can still have meaning and that even discarded materials can be turned into something beautiful.
Her art makes people want to know more. You can see the layers, textures, and care that went into each piece. The work has a rhythm a conversation between the medium and the message that makes people stop, look, and think.
“Our past isn’t truly lost; it just takes new forms. I paint to remind myself that memory can be reassembled. And by reimagining what we once discarded, I’m giving forgotten materials and memories a second life. Each disk in my mind is like a fragment of a modern fossil a relic of our digital past that still quietly tells its story.”
Taylor has built a bridge between memory and imagination through her innovative approach. Every portrait is both a tribute and a conversation. It honors the greats and makes us think about the things we take for granted. Each disk adds to a bigger story, changing how we see icons, history, and the world around us.
To explore more of Taylor Smith’s full series and her other creative projects, visit www.abstractmodern.com
