Named Mordillo Living, the project is led by Mordillo’s daughter Cécile Mordillo and reinterprets the artist’s iconic drawings through functional design. Known for his wordless humor and rounded figures, Mordillo created highly recognizable scenes that balanced simplicity with subtle absurdity.
The collection includes chairs, tables, and cabinets, all defined by recognizable colors, shapes, and a sense of humor. According to the designers, these elements reference the forms and compositions found in Mordillo’s drawings, while adapting them for use in contemporary interiors.
Rather than functioning as neutral objects, the pieces are intended to act as expressive elements within a space.
“We wanted to explore what happens when a drawn world becomes physical and usable,” said the team. “The challenge was to keep the humor and softness intact, without turning the pieces into literal illustrations.”
Groovido led the development process, working on design research, prototyping, and production. The studio focused on translating the visual characteristics of Mordillo’s work into objects that remain functional and structurally viable. According to the designers, the process required balancing artistic expression with usability.
“Mordillo’s work is incredibly precise in composition, even if it appears effortless,” said Groovido. “We approached each piece almost like a frozen moment from a drawing—where proportion, tension, and balance had to work both visually and physically.”
For Mordillo Studio, the project represents an extension of the artist’s legacy into a new medium. Instead of reproducing existing images, the collection aims to interpret their underlying qualities—such as balance, rhythm, and optimism—through material, form, and interaction.
The designers emphasize that the intention is not nostalgia, but continuity. By shifting from two-dimensional illustration to three-dimensional objects, Mordillo Living explores how narrative and character can be embedded within everyday design.
“It’s not about looking back,” the team added. “It’s about allowing that universe to evolve—so it can be lived in, not just looked at.”
Mordillo Living will be presented at Salone del Mobile in Milan from 21 to 26 April 2026. Visit us at Palazzo dei Giureconsulti (Masterly).
