Spotlight Adam Court, OKHA Design Studio

A design luminary, Adam Court is well known not only locally but worldwide for his innovative, thought-provoking and boundary-pushing designs.

A pioneering voice for African design, the creative director of OKHA Design Studio recently unveiled his new limited-edition table design, CLASH, at New York gallery STUDIOTWENTYSEVEN.

Designed in collaboration with Bronze Age, only 12 bronze-cast tables are available and each will be numbered and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

“A true embodiment of artistic expression, the design reflects Court’s rebellious spirit,” says OKHA Design Studio of CLASH.

“The table is a reflection of Court’s autodidact travels and journeys into the world of arts and culture, spanning years in Europe, the USA, and Africa, with influences from his UK-based youth of street swagger, sweet arrogance, rebel yell and naïve gusto. CLASH is a vital, raw and brutally poetic piece that evokes passion, energy and existentialism, making it a captivating addition to a distinctive art and design collection.”

Since joining OKHA over 16 years ago, Court has drawn on these design influences to help shape and create “pieces that are often ahead of their time, propelling OKHA to be a pioneering voice for African furniture design” the design studio explains of his visionary influence.

“Without consciously being aware of it, my designs are about my own history,” notes Court, as he explains how one of his studded punk bracelets served as the inspiration for CLASH.

Other designs are influenced by Africa and his life and travels here. “I’ve fallen in love with the rawness, visceral quality and honesty of Africa,” Court says, noting that this influences his choice of shape and material.

“There’s an immediacy here, which comes through in the brutality of materials and forms. Things feel more resonant and vibrant in their natural state…more connective.”

This visceral, instinctive approach is what drives Court’s designs and makes them so recognizable.