Spirit of Maakana
This wire sculpture is an homage to Maldivian wildlife, symbolising the wisdom, grace, and playfulness found in the island’s culture and folklore. .
Benedetta’s soaring herons fill expansive spaces with visual stories that are poetic, symbolic, and emotionally charged.
“The Maldives, and JOALI Maldives in particular, inspired me with its unique harmony of nature, art, and culture. The two flying herons I created symbolise grace, freedom, and the natural elegance of seabirds, while also expressing an artistic dialogue with the island’s landscape.”
Benedetta Mori Ubaldini
Mura BarBenedetta Mori UbaldiniMura Bar
Benedetta Mori Ubaldini
Italy
Benedetta Mori Ubaldini is an Italian sculptor celebrated for her ethereal wire mesh creations. Born in Milan, she studied Fine Art in London before returning to Italy, where she continues to develop a practice defined by delicacy, symbolism, and poetry.
Her signature technique begins with flat sheets of rolled wire mesh, gradually shaped by hand. Twisting and joining each seam, she forms seamless three-dimensional works that seem to hover between presence and absence. Light flows through their transparent structures, creating shifting plays of shadow that heighten their dreamlike quality.
Animals are a recurring theme in her work, chosen both for their aesthetic beauty and for the symbolic qualities they hold in human culture and imagination. Each sculpture is a narrative in space, infused with her own words: “I like them to be evocative, symbolic and poetic.”
Art Collection at JOALI Maldives
FLOWER STRIPES
By Damien Poulain
A bold reimagining of the outdoor pétanque court, infused with vivid colours and symbolic geometry drawn from global cultures.
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.
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.
