From Milan to Stockholm: Two of Our Rugs Reunite in an Exhibition Curated by Lidewij Edelkoort and Philip Fimmano

After being presented at two consecutive editions of Milan Design Week, Tree of Joy and Vigilant Gorilla come together once again. Both rugs, produced by El Espartano, are part of INNER CHILD: Playing with Design, an exhibition curated by Lidewij Edelkoort and Philip Fimmano that opened on October 10 at Artipelag in Stockholm.

Created especially for Artipelag, INNER CHILD brings together the work of one hundred international artists and designers across eight thematic chapters. Running through April 11, 2027, the exhibition explores play, imagination, and creativity through sculptural furniture, handcrafted objects, textiles, and installations.

Our participation brings together two pieces originally developed for presentations in Milan under Edelkoort’s curatorship. Tree of Joy is part of Garden, the collection presented in 2024, and is based on designs by Brazilian artist Sergio Machado. Vigilant Gorilla belongs to Instinct, presented in 2025, and is based on a work by Japanese artist Miroco Machiko.

Within the exhibition, Vigilant Gorilla is featured in Cuddling Compassion, one of the thematic chapters dedicated to emotional connection through touch, softness, and objects that evoke protection and affection.

Both rugs were produced in Argentina by our Design & Sustainability Laboratory using the hand-tufting technique and are made entirely of wool.

In an interview published by Odalisque Magazine after the opening, Lidewij Edelkoort reflected on the return to craftsmanship and the importance of reconnecting with tactile experiences in an increasingly digital world. “The more screens we use, the more our fingers are asking for touch,” the curator observed.

INNER CHILD: Playing with Design
Curators: Lidewij Edelkoort and Philip Fimmano
Artipelag, Stockholm, Sweden
October 10, 2026 – April 11, 2027