Shaped by Nature

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Marguerite Oelofse 

Jan Ernst Studio has unveiled its latest sculptural masterpiece – a coffee table – inspired by Cape Town’s coastline and the temporality of nature.

The release of the Mirage Coffee Table marks a pivotal year for Jan Ernst Studio, as it continues to explore the interplay between different materials, this time with ceramics and bronze, solidifying its presence in innovative design. This milestone coincides with the studio’s exciting relocation to Woodstock in 2024, as highlighted in VISI’s recent feature on the new space.

Commissioned for a discerning collector in Bakoven, the Mirage Coffee Table draws inspiration from Cape Town’s coastline and, more specifically, the beauty of the Atlantis Dunes. The table’s design encapsulates nature’s transient elegance by referencing the wind-sculpted dunes. Its interlocking shapes invite exploration, transforming any space into a dynamic tableau of light, shadow, and movement.

“The Mirage Coffee Table is more than a functional piece—it’s a narrative of movement, transformation, and the fleeting beauty of nature,” says Jan Ernst. “Our collaboration with Andrea Graff Interiors has brought this vision to life, creating a centrepiece that resonates with the client’s space and spirit.”

Jan Ernst’s process in creating the table closely resembled the organic evolution seen in nature. Its steel mesh formwork was meticulously shaped by hand, with curves that mimicked the fluidity of wind over sand. Layers of Plaster of Paris were then applied, each stroke an intuitive response to the material’s possibilities. The table was then cast in bronze, a medium that imbues the piece with timeless durability while preserving its delicate, sculptural quality. This interplay of warm, golden tones with light creates an ever-changing visual experience, making the Mirage Coffee Table as dynamic as the landscapes that inspired it.

The launch of the Mirage Table closes out a year of bold exploration for Jan Ernst Studio. By combining ceramics with bronze, the studio bridges tradition and innovation, expanding its material palette while remaining true to its organic design philosophy. | jan-ernst.com

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