backJavier Mariscal is a multidisciplinary artist whose boundless creativity spans graphic design, illustration, furniture, filmmaking, painting, and sculpture. Known for his irreverent spirit and unrelenting pursuit of freedom, Mariscal’s work exudes a spontaneous and carefree style. His vivid imagination brings life to every medium he touches, from playful doodles on scraps of paper to globally recognised icons.
Mariscal’s creative journey began in the mid-1970s with comic strips published in underground fanzines, notably introducing his iconic characters Los Garriris (1974). A key figure in Spain’s Movida cultural revolution, he made a bold impact with the “Bar cel ona” logo in 1979, cementing his status as a visionary designer. His Duplex stool, showcased in Ettore Sottsass’s influential 1981 Milan exhibition for the Memphis Group, further propelled his reputation on the global stage.
In 1989, Mariscal founded Estudio Mariscal, Spain’s first multidisciplinary design studio. This became the creative hub for one of his most celebrated works: Cobi, the official mascot of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. His groundbreaking contributions to design earned him the Premio Nacional de Diseño in 1999, and in 2006, he was named an honorary member of the Royal Society of Arts.
Mariscal’s work continues to embody a joyful rebellion, inspiring audiences with his fluid exploration of form, colour, and imagination.