Side Chair c. 1965

This sinuous "Side Chair" was conceived by French designer Olivier Mourgue. Mourgue began designing furniture during a period when the social landscape was rapidly changing. Emerging from a postwar context, the designs embody a shift towards more fluid and organic forms, challenging the rigid structures of previous eras. The single block form, free of legs, invites a more relaxed posture. This reflects a broader cultural movement towards greater personal freedom and individual expression. The bright yellow color is also evocative of a mid-century modern aesthetic. Mourgue's chairs were prominently featured in Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey." As such, they became closely associated with ideas of futuristic living. Yet, they also represent a departure from traditional furniture design, moving away from formality and towards comfort and accessibility. The chair represents an era of optimism and experimentation, reflecting changing societal values and a desire for a more comfortable, expressive way of life.