womanthismonth.com | JUNE 2026 LIFESTYLE 98 In the work of Bahrain-based artist and multidisciplinary designer Rand Alkishtaini, function becomes part of something more personal and reflective. Her piece, Mr. & Mrs., transforms two side tables into sculptural works shaped by craftsmanship and material reuse. Material Memory Built from reclaimed wood and old iron nails sourced from traditional Gulf dhows, the tables establish a clear connection between contemporary design and Bahrain’s maritime history. Each table carries its own personality while the pair has been designed to exist in dialogue with one another, almost like two figures sharing the same space. The wooden tops preserve the natural imperfections of reclaimed timber rather than concealing them. Marks, grain variations and traces of age remain visible across the surface, allowing the material to retain its sense of history. The artwork is created using a burning technique that produces dark expressive lines directly within the wood. The imagery feels embedded into the surface itself, giving the work depth and permanence. The figures represented on the tables introduce humour and character into the design. Their simplified forms carry an almost handmade quality alongside a refined visual presence. These illustrations give the tables a clear sense of identity, shifting them beyond purely functional objects. The bases play an equally important role within the work. Constructed from iron nails once used in traditional dhows, they reference the Gulf’s long maritime relationship with trade and craftsmanship. Materials that once existed hidden within wooden vessels are brought fully into view and become structural as well as sculptural elements. Their dark finish contrasts against the warmth of the reclaimed wood, creating balance between weight and softness. Arranged in expressive formations, the nails introduce movement into the design, giving the tables an almost animated quality. The result feels grounded and organic while still maintaining its practical function. Sustainability within Mr. & Mrs. extends beyond material selection alone. The project reflects an approach centred on transformation and reinterpretation. Discarded materials continue to carry memory and value within a new context. This approach aligns closely with Rand Alkishtaini’s wider practice, which explores texture, reclaimed materials and storytelling through objects and interiors. Based in Bahrain and working across art and design, she often incorporates layered surfaces and reused materials into her work. In Mr. & Mrs., those ideas come together through craftsmanship and cultural reference. The tables encourage viewers to look beyond immediate function and consider the history carried within the materials themselves, giving old materials a renewed presence within contemporary design.
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