PROFILE
A Collaboration between Méditions and Lilian Daddi
The MAMMA COLLECTION | BY JAMES ESSEX
H
ow can an artist transform our perception of furniture? It seems a dull topic. But this was exactly the question that was running through Jean-Pascal Morvidoni’s mind as he contemplated who might be able to help him develop a totally new genre of home design. Owner of the Méditions art gallery in Paris, France, Morvidoni is a third-generation marble maker and manager of Marbreies de la Siene. He has both an eye for contemporary design and an enthusiasm for fascinating and beautiful stonework. Much of his time now is spent away from marble work and instead, he focuses on promoting talented young artists and the work that they create.
Influenced by graffiti and American abstract paintings of Joan Mitchell, Cy Twombly, and Hans Hartung, Daddi founded for himself a reputation for pushing both artistic and technical boundaries. Together Morvidini and Daddi were the perfect pair to revolutionize how we view our own personal furniture. When asked about his latest creations for Méditions and how he came to formulate such beautiful pieces, Daddi said, “I always really studied the sky. One day I discovered this magnificent spectacle—Mammatus clouds. These inspired me to create like never before.”
His passion is finding those rare, avant-garde creators that are pushing the limits of conventional stonework. This desire to work with the best led Morvidoni to partner with famed artist Lilian Daddi on a new project for his art studio.
From the creation of its novel furniture designs to the total originality of its name, the Mamma collection truly does reveal the dispassionate and disruptive psyche of today’s modern melding of art, design, and culture. Inspired by those rare and illusive Mammatus clouds, Daddi takes his skill, as well as Méditions reputation to new heights of luxury.
Daddi is an interesting character in his own right. A graduate of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts and the school of architecture in Clermont Ferrant, Daddi has worked as an art and design director with several agencies before opening his own design firm in Paris. Here he truly flourished and devoted himself entirely to his work, pushing the boundaries of art and functionality.
The Mamma collection was also inspired by Daddi’s mother. Italian by birth, Signora Daddi’s softness and generosity are present in the formation of her son’s stonework and the power it holds over you when one is in its presence. After a series of preparatory sketches and paintings, Daddi worked with Carrara marble to develop his new collection. Within the unique collection, you will find many of
38 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | WINTER 2023
today’s modern staples. Consoles, pedestals, tables, stools, and even shelves all make up the everyday furniture that has been transformed by Daddi’s hands. But it isn’t just original designs that set this furniture apart. No, the really amazing thing about these pieces is their practicality and the stories they tell. Durable, yet light. Inspired by the evanescence of their inspiration, each piece tells its own unique narrative. In some it is a tale of how the earth meets the sky, in others, it is sensual and organic. They succeed in being both functional and exuberant. This development of the material forms one of the foundations of Méditions. For Morvidoni, marble quarries are a field of expression open to all aesthetic demands, as well as to the most unique uses. The Mamma collection also offers a range of lamps for tables, walls, and ceiling suspension—as well as ceramic vases created from other natural materials. The various pieces of Daddi’s collection have been limited to twelve reproductions and any lover of luxury would be lucky to have just in their home. Morvidoni is currently working on developing an M éditions showroom in Miami, Florida. If you’re interested in learning more we highly recommend you visit the Méditions website.
