Cape Town design studio OKHA has released a pair of new side tables, the Rational and Irrational tables.

At first glance, the Rational table appears to be an exercise in absolute reductionism, initially it gives the impression of being composed of a basic structure of unbroken lines of vertical and horizontal planes, but as you penetrate deeper into the organisation of the form, you are presented with a paradox. This is no simple form, no simple table.

Made of four wafer thin waxed mild steel plates Rational’s subtle A-frame form is light in appearance but weighs in as true heavy metal. We can say that Rational is the offspring of two opposing yet interconnected forces; Deconstructivism and Constructivism; the result is an object of idiosyncratic character, a very particular stance, a nuanced accent.

The Rational table is intentionally fragmented and harmonious in the same instance, its composition of separate components almost meet edge to edge, they glance across one another at unexpected points, mere millimetres from border to border, the resulting dynamic is one of an intelligent depth of design and of quiet visual arrest.

This is a table which started out as a meditative exercise; designer Adam Court says, “I wanted to do the simplest table I could do in the most evolved way.”

“It’s an assembly of elements, a visual Haiku, the fewest amount of syllables expressing the maximum possible”

Born of the same metal as Rational, Irrational stands slightly taller and is the more controversial of the pair with one pronounced difference, systematic negative space; rows of circular precision cut-outs reminiscent of roadside braille lend a Jean Prouve industrial feel; but this is a luxury item. Paradox and Provocation. The raw mild steel form (aka Carbon Steel) has been naturally oxidised and waxed multiple times to bring a delicate, sensitive patina to this most robust of metals.

It is what Court refers to as “the understated gestures and quiet nuances of words carefully chosen”

OKHA Gallery:                        
info@okha.com
+27 (0)21 461 7233
www.okha.com
109 Hatfield Street
Gardens
Cape Town
South Africa
 

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