A Collaboration between Méditions and Lilian Daddi, The Mamma Collection

| BY JAMES ESSEX

How 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.

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.

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. 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.”

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.

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 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. 

ARCHITECTURE AND NATURE

IN PERFECT BALANCE

| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

When Cheetah Plains owner Japie van Niekerk went in search of a retreat for himself and his son, his quest led him to what is now regarded as one of the top Eco and luxury lodges in South Africa.

It all started with a phone call. The moment a landowner reached out to Japie one Saturday evening to say he was considering selling two of his tracks of land, the die was cast. Property in the bush is a rarity, so without hesitation, Japie flew up the following day to assess the position. A private and accomplished pilot, he maneuvered his aircraft over the plains, and his bird’s eye view of surging seasonal rivers and old Tamboti trees dotted along the escarpment further inspired his decision to acquire this rare combination of isolation and dense natural wilderness. Situated in the remote, relatively unknown and greatly unexplored north-eastern corner of Sabi Sand Private Nature Reserve, Japie didn’t have to sleep on it; he decided there and then that this property was destined to be his.

That same day, he cemented the deal, becoming the proud owner of a sought-after piece of wilderness. Initially, Japie would only invite close friends and family, but as time progressed, he realized the incredible location was too good not to share. Opening up Cheetah Plains to guests as a commercial lodge while maintaining the invigorating sense of being in the remoteness of the bush is something that Japie wanted to maintain and is felt when one is privileged to stay here.

He was committed to create a new style of safari offering that has never been done before; for guests to be completely immersed albeit with a total sense of privacy. Traditional bush architecture was reconsidered and a structural departure from communal spaces, in essence complementing nature without interference. This steered the construction of three full self-contained, exclusive-use villas, which includes every single conceivable comfort imaginable, from the softest cotton bedding, electronic blinds and mosquito net to a state-of-the-art toilet.

Inspired by the challenge of fashioning a lodge in Sabi Sand, architect Stefan Antoni met with Japie to flesh out what would work in this pristine piece of wilderness. This resulted in ARRCC being appointed as custodians of the full project – architecture, interior architecture and interior décor, at the end of the day delivering a truly ready-to-operate solution. Specializing in residential, hospitality and leisure projects,

ARRCC works closely with their clients, distilling and transforming briefs that exceed original expectations.

Creating life-enhancing spaces that represent both client and location through a sophisticated methodology in design, they have established a style dedicated to detail and substance. Setting a new benchmark for the industry, they are leaders in designing elegant structures and interiors that are modern, luxurious and seductive while remaining understated and timeless.

Cheetah Plains is ultra-contemporary Afro-minimalism, where straight planes meet extensive landscapes and angular edged topography. Suspended beams stretch weightlessly through the length of buildings. Blurring the lines between simple pure elements and organic form, the architectural vision was to unite with the wild from within; that there should be no limit, no disconnection. The focus is on elegant and beautiful spaces with a seamless flow of textures between interiors and exteriors. The outcome is distinctively African and sublimely innovative, merging essential solitude with the force of nature unbroken.

Three villas are inspired by illustrious cats of the reserve, and seemingly float over a landscape unscathed by man. Shielded by age-old trees, each villa has its own character, incorporating subtle differences in location and concept. Karula, Mapogo and Mvula each house a substantial private dining area, several indoor and outdoor areas, an outdoor boma, swimming pool and large chilled wine room. All have four satellite suites that feel like a private studio sheltered in the bush.

Staying at Karula, one is struck by the harmonious interplay with nature and luxury. Named after an inimitable leopard, the rosetted beauty lives on in the finishes that are noticeably more feminine, featuring lighter, creamier tones. A perfect equilibrium between strength and poise, the lavishness and added softness pay homage to Karula’s splendor.

A passionate art collector and curator, Japie has ensured that each villa houses the most striking art, showcasing Africa’s artistic talent whilst sharing these visionary creations in the Cheetah Plains collection with guests from all over the world. They include the likes of Conor McCreedy, Angus Taylor, Arend Eloff, Bambolwami Sibiya, Gail Catlin, Galia Gluckman, Gert Potgieter, Greatjoy Ndlovu, Jacobus Hendrik Pierneef, Lionel Smit, Loyiso Mkize, Malcolm Solomon, Andy Coppes Martin, Olantunji Sanusi, Solomon Omogboye, William Kentridge, Cecil Skotnes and Vladimir Tretchikoff. Part of the space includes a temperature-controlled wine gallery with purely South African wines, perfect for each meal course, an entertainment lounge with plush seating, and a dining room with a spectacular Pierre Cronje table forming a focal point. The chandelier above the table is really striking and handcrafted by Martin Doller. Upon entering the plains villa, one is struck by the magnitude of the space, complemented by the big gallery design and the flow of space from inside to outside.

An exciting addition to Cheetah Plains opened in December 2022 – a magnificent luxury boutique. Named after the owner’s wife Shari, the stunning space encompasses limited edition collections of custom-made items, the finest quality jewelry, accessories, books and art for serious aficionados.

In all aspects of his life, Japie doesn’t shy away from hard work and dedication. Forever pushing limits, striving to exceed excellence and accepting nothing less than extraordinary. Which is why Cheetah Plains surpasses superiority in every sense of the word.

For more information, visit www.cheetahplains. com