Bvlgari's serpent show, an infinite journey of transformation

As the Year of the Snake in the Chinese lunar calendar approaches, Bvlgari has unveiled the exhibition, "Serpenti Infinito" at Zhangyuan, a new cultural and business landmark in Shanghai, celebrating the mystique and symbolism of the serpent in both ancient and contemporary art.

The exhibition invites visitors to explore the infinite journey of transformation embodied by the iconic Serpenti symbol, bridging the gap between Eastern and Western cultures, tradition and innovation, art and craftsmanship.

For centuries, the serpent has captivated human imagination, embodying symbols of transformation, healing, and wisdom across cultures. In Chinese tradition, the serpent is revered as a powerful emblem of fortune and renewal, symbolizing both the cyclical nature of life and the eternal quest for knowledge.

Bvlgari's iconic Serpenti collection, first introduced in 1948, draws on this rich cultural heritage, perpetually reimagining the image of the serpent through exquisite craftsmanship and innovative design.

The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience how this enduring symbol has evolved across centuries, now presented through a stunning array of artistic expressions – from traditional Chinese culture to cutting-edge digital and AI-driven art.

Featuring over 28 works by 19 international artists, the exhibition showcases pieces specially created for this occasion, alongside selected masterpieces from Bvlgari's Serpenti collection.

Among the highlights is "Infinito: AI Data Sculpture" by Refik Anadol, an immersive 3D sculpture that sits at the center of a mirrored space, offering a mesmerizing visual journey through the serpent's transformative essence.

In the work "Serpent Teng in the Golden Realm," Chinese artist Luo Ming merges the ancient art of paper-cutting with modern technology and materials. This large-scale paper-cut installation, suspended on the ceiling above the entrance, features auspicious motifs like wheat stalks and celestial herbs weaving between the body of a serpent and clouds.

The use of gold leaf and mother-of-pearl adds a shimmering, golden-green radiance, symbolizing the seamless integration of the sacred serpent with nature. The piece, both intricate and expansive, creates an enchanting visual that speaks to the cyclical dance of life and spirituality.

Contemporary artist Xu Bing explores the connection between the serpent and wisdom in his work "Square Word Calligraphy: Serpenti." Through this piece, Xu invites viewers to reflect on how the creative use of language, characters, and texts shapes individual perceptions of the world. Like a magician, he intertwines the art of Chinese calligraphy with the English alphabet to create a new concept of writing, bridging two cultural systems and offering a fresh perspective on communication.

When creating the sculpture "Between the Lines," artist and jewelry designer Azza Al Qubaisi draws inspiration from the ever-changing rhythms of nature, which resonate with the serpent's transformative essence. Crafted from carbon steel and stainless steel, the sculpture features a texture resembling earthen rust marks, symbolizing the passage of time. Through this piece, the artist delves into the cyclical and regenerative processes of nature, embodying the snake's continual metamorphosis within the tactile medium of metal.

Cate M Mercier's bronze sculptures "The Small and Big Python Head" and "The Mandarin" delve into the rich symbolic meaning and transformative power of the serpent. Sculpted with clay and finely crafted in bronze, these works explore the serpent's multifaceted symbolism and its capacity to adapt and evolve. Through these pieces, Mercier highlights the serpent's ever-changing nature, revealing its profound connection to the forces of transformation and regeneration.

Chinese ceramic artist Wu Haoyu explores the concept of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature in his work "New Stoneware – Serpenti." Using Dehua porcelain as his medium, Wu reinterprets the porcelain's "China White" – a cultural symbol highly favored by Europeans since the 19th century – and infuses it with new contemporary meaning and creative vitality. Through this work, he revives a centuries-old tradition while adding a fresh, modern perspective on the timeless relationship between humans and the natural world.

Bvlgari also showcases 11 exquisite pieces from its heritage collection at the exhibition, telling the evolving story of the serpent motif.

From the stylized Serpenti Tubogas watch from the 1960s to the modern-style Serpenti Belt in gold with diamonds inspired by 1970s fashion, the collection vividly brings back the timeless charm of 1970s masterpieces. Among them is a Serpenti Pallini bracelet-watch, made around 1955, crafted in gold and adorned with a diamond-encrusted snakehead, paired with a five-loop chain that sparkles radiantly.

Bvlgari's Serpenti High Jewelry collection highlights the serpent motif's stunning evolution in contemporary design.

The Serpenti Rubellite Crown necklace features a 140.53-carat rubellite at its center, set in a delicate claw setting, with the chain adorned in onyx, emeralds, and diamonds, creating a dazzling, star-like effect.

The Serpenti Emerald Nimbus necklace showcases a 12.73-carat Zambian emerald surrounded by geometric diamond-encrusted serpent coils. The piece balances the rich, captivating allure of the emerald with the dynamic tension of the diamonds.

The Serpenti Tubogas watch, with its seven-loop design, elegantly coils around the wrist, blending fluidity and form. The snakehead, set with diamonds, adds a brilliant touch to this timeless piece.

If you go

Date: Through February 16

Address: Zhangyuan

Admission: Free. Please make a reservation on Bvlgari's WeChat mini program.