Crafted from polyurethane foam and finished with Guflac, a special paint that provides both durability and flexibility, the Cactus defies categorisation. Its unexpected texture and surreal silhouette evoke the spiny desert plant while offering a functional element – hooks for hanging items. Originally presented in a striking green hue, the piece has since been reimagined in various colours and special editions, each reinforcing its status as a bold, irreverent design statement.

At the time of its release, the Cactus was a direct response to the social and cultural upheavals of the 1970s, reflecting the era’s embrace of playful, unconventional aesthetics. It was emblematic of Gufram’s ethos of pushing the boundaries of design through experimentation with materials and form. The piece was never intended to blend in; instead, it was designed to provoke conversation and disrupt expectations.

Over the decades, the Gufram Cactus has been celebrated as both a pop art object and a functional sculpture, securing its place in major museum collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Vitra Design Museum in Germany. Collaborations with contemporary artists and designers have further cemented its reputation as a cult classic. In 2016, the Cactus celebrated its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition series that paid homage to its origins while reinterpreting its iconic form through contemporary lenses.

Today, the Gufram Cactus continues to captivate collectors, design enthusiasts, and art lovers alike. It remains a symbol of Italian radical design and a reminder that even the most utilitarian objects can be infused with humour, creativity, and artistic expression.

Cactus

The original green version of the Gufram Cactus, known as the "Classic Cactus," is the most recognisable and enduring form, encapsulating the playful, surrealist spirit of the 1970s Italian design movement. Its vibrant hue and spiny silhouette continue to stand as a bold visual statement, embodying Gufram’s ethos of turning everyday objects into radical art forms. The first edition was a very deep emerald shade (sold out edition), and since then it is cyclically reinterpreted according to the colour and the style of the moment. The Another Green and Another White Cactus versions were released in 2018.

Boring Cactus

The Boring Cactus edition strips away the vibrant colour and surrealist whimsy of the original, presenting a neutral, subdued take on the iconic design. Its understated finish serves as a minimalist counterpoint, allowing the sculptural form to take centre stage without the distraction of bold hues.

Sunrise Cactus

The Gufram x Paul Smith Sunrise Cactus – which celebrates the reopening of the newly renovated iconic Paul Smith on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles – stands as a symbol of resilience, thriving in harsh conditions and representing a willingness to grow and evolve. Inspired by Paul’s saying “every day is a new beginning”.

Andy's Cactus

Just like the other Cactus versions, the Andy Warhol x Gufram edition, presented on the 50-year anniversary of the world-recognised hall tree, is made from the original 1972 mould and sculpted and hand-finished by specialised artisans, making each piece unique.

Nerocactus

The "Nero Cactus" edition takes the iconic form in a strikingly dark direction, cloaking its playful silhouette in a bold, matte black finish. This dramatic reinterpretation amplifies its sculptural presence, adding a contemporary edge to the classic design.