Flower Stripes
Damien Poulain reimagines the outdoor pétanque court with a vivid colour palette that reflects his practice.
His work is nomadic and contextual in nature, drawing on Shinto-inspired, primitive, and heraldic symbols, along with elements of modern culture to explore a universal visual language.
"This project began as a dialogue with its space. My installation was created to inhabit and respond to its surroundings, embracing both the possibilities and the constraints of the site."
Damien Poulain
Pétanque CourtDamien PoulainPétanque Court
Damien Poulain
France
Damien Poulain is a Paris-based artist whose work moves freely between design, architecture, and public space. His practice is shaped by influences as diverse as Shintoism, heraldic and tribal symbols, along with elements of contemporary digital culture. From these sources he creates bold systems of geometry and colour, intended as a universal language that questions how people relate to each other, to their surroundings, and to the wider mystery of existence.
Poulain’s projects are nomadic and contextual, always created in response to a particular place and moment. His imprint spans from monumental interventions in the public realm to intimate paintings, textiles, and sculptures. Across these formats, he explores the power of visual codes to build connections, spark dialogue, and invite reflection on shared beliefs. Through this work, Poulain hopes to foster cross-cultural engagement and community, spreading what he calls a universal message of love, beauty, and possibility.
Art Collection at JOALI Maldives
GREEN TURTLE CORAL GARDEN
By Josh Gluckstein
A life-size turtle sculpture crafted from recycled cardboard, evoking the beauty of the ocean and raising awareness for fragile marine ecosystems.
SPIRIT OF MAAKANA
By Benedetta Mori Ubaldini
Soaring wire herons pay homage to Maldivian wildlife, symbolising grace, freedom, and the island’s poetic connection with nature.
Maldives Vibes
By Zemer Peled
This stunning piece is inspired by the rich underwater world of the Maldives — the intricate, delicate coral forms and the beautiful colours of the multitudinous organisms that call it home.
TERRACOTTA FURNITURE
by Chris Wolston
Residing outside Joali’s Boutique, these intricately-detailed chairs contrast with the beautiful fauna around them, and challenge visitors to take a seat.
COILED LAMP
By Dough Johnston
Located in Joali’s boutique, Doug Johnston's organic-shaped light shades reflect the textures and waves of the island.
THE PERCH
By John Paul Phillipe
The bench of JOALI is a perch, a point of rest and reflection for both Humans and Birds
TROPICANA TABLE
By Misha Khan
The astonishing forms and colours of coral are beautifully expressed through this communal table, inspired by the vibrant artistry of Antoni Gaudi.
EVOLUTION CHAIR
By Nacho Carbonell
The cocoon-like chair offers a private moment of quiet introspection to anyone seated in its depths.
RAWNESS
By Soojin Kang
Housed in our Four Bedroom Beach Residence, these elaborate thread tapestries are handwoven exclusively with natural materials.
MINI STOOLS
By Reinaldo Senguino
Inspired by the fabled table-top Tepuis mountains of Venezuela and the forms of heritage hour glasses, these clay stools are crafted with mud from the rivers of the Guiana Highland region.
GREY HERON
By Ardmore Ceramics
This striking work represents the emblematic grey heron found on the island, coupled with the romance of fragrant frangipanis and mystical mangroves.
GLASSWORKS
By Feleksan Onar
Channelling her gift for forming glass into intricate objects, Onar has crafted a signature collection of tropical-inspired creations for JOALI Maldives.
PEARL
By Seckin Pirim
On the wall of each villa, an eye-catching clam-like centrepiece by Seckin Pirim have a ripple shape reminiscent of the aquamarine waters surrounding the island.
ONE EGG | ONE WORLD
By Studio Mameluca
This unique installation is inspired by the egg of the White Tern seabird, found across the world’s tropical oceans.
JOALI HAMMOK - WILD FIBRES
By Aurelie Hoegy
For this haute couture design piece, Hoegy took inspiration from the our island and its sumptuous white sand shapes, formed by the infinite movement of the Indian Ocean.
AUGMENTED REALITY-CONTINGENCIES
By Maja Rohwetter
This augmented reality installation opens a portal to a dimension in-between analogue and digital realms.
DAY DREAMS
By Jeanne Susplugas
Embark on a maze-like journey into the brain, through thoughts rendered by illustration.
Manta Tree House
By Porky Hefer
Taking inspiration from these fascinating marine creatures, this artwork is a marvellous expression of vernacular architecture.
SILVERWASE VASES & BOTANICAL TILES
By Studio Glithero
These stunning creations reflect Glithero’s attempt to preserve a moment in the life of individual plant specimens from JOALI Maldives.
