Bvlgari, the Roman High Jeweler, welcomed the upcoming Year of Snake, with the launch of the first Serpenti Infinito Exhibition in Shanghai, an immersive experience into the art, craftsmanship and infinite transformations behind Bvlgari’s most emblematic sign. The exhibition was held on January 8th, a symbolic date, as the number itself evokes the symbol of infinity, mirroring the infinite transformations of the powerful snake.
A universal symbol transcending different cultures, space and time, since 1948 Serpenti has encapsulated the rich stratification of meanings and attributions connected to its animal of inspiration. Its metamorphic nature, offered an endless territory for creative production, making it a symbol in perpetual dialogue with the world of art. A fertile ground further explored by the Serpenti Infinito Exhibition, where 28 artworks by 19 Chinese and international artists, of which 11 created exclusively for the occasion, invites to explore the many significances and interpretations of the snake through art, history and contemporary transformations. On this occasion, the “Infinito: Ai Data Sculpture” by Refik Anadol, a three-dimensional sculpture situated in the center of a 360-degree mirrored room, was reveal as an absolute preview.
Hosted by Bvlgari’s CEO Jean-Christophe Babin, the opening cocktail party took place at Zhangyuan, location of the exhibition, a historic public compound which has been revitalized into a unique cultural and commercial landmark, embodying the fusion of Chinese and Western elements as well as the constant transformation of the city. Among the exclusive parterre of international media, artists and friends of the brand such as Indonesian actress and singer Cinta Laura Kiehl and Vietnamese singer Ho Ngoc Ha, Bvlgari Global Ambassadors Anne Hathaway and Liu Yifei made their magnetic appearance wearing magnificent Serpenti creations with unrivalled charisma. Chinese actors and actresses Meng Ziyi, Li Yunrui, Chen Xingxu, He Ruixian, Xia Zhiguang, and Zuo Ye also graced the opening event.
The inaugural ceremony at Zhangyuan was attended by about 350 international guests: Andrew Wu, LVMH Greater China President, Tiziana D’Angelo, Consul General of Italy in Shanghai as well as exhibition curator Cao Dan, exhibition space designer Zhang Shuojiong, the local and international artists who took part in the Serpenti Infinito Exhibition, namely the media artist, director and pioneer in the aesthetics of data and machine intelligence, Refik Anadol, artist Daniel Rozin, artist Hong Seung-Hye, artist and product designer, Azza Al Qubaisi, artist Cate M Mercier, Victor Nouman Garcia, representative of Utopic Arabia, an art collective, artist Qiu Anxiong, musician Li Daiguo and visual artist Li Shurui, installation artist Luo Ming, digital artist Fei Jun, young sculptor Mo Lijuan, ceramic artist Wu Haoyu, young artist Xie Wendi, artist Xue Feng, young artist Qi Le, young digital artist Zhou Chao.
After having enjoyed a private tour of the exhibition, guests were entertained by the performance of live band who brought a mesmerizing vibe to the evening.
Like a journey to explore the snake’s multifaceted and ever-evolving identity, the exhibition unfolds into the three chapters CRAFTING SERPENTS IN HISTORY, SNAKES IN THE ARTS and CONTEMPORARY TRANSFORMATIONS in which guests had the opportunity to admire a magnificent selection from Bvlgari Heritage, watches and fine jewelry collections, including some unreleased High Jewelry one-of-a-kind creations, on display in the three chapters of the exhibition.
Strengthening the cross-cultural bond between Serpenti and Chinese tradition, the event hosted a dedicated Chinese New Year Bazaar where to enjoy the rituals, the excitement and the warm atmosphere of this joyful celebration. From the making of a personalized lucky card to the creation of Serpenti shadow puppets, guests were involved in entertaining and traditional activities, and delighted with bites of iconic Chinese dishes.
During this extraordinary exhibition, master artisans from Bvlgari were present to showcase the Maison's exceptional craftsmanship through an interactive workshop. Guests also had the opportunity to discover the Serpenti postcard experience in which they had the opportunity to send postcards crafted for the exhibition and featuring 20 remarkable Serpenti artworks, half created by students from elite art schools, and the other by gifted children with autism. This initiative beautifully underscores the fusion of art and humanity.
Lastly, to mark the Year of the Snake, all properties of the Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts collection, will introduce a dedicated Serpenti Suite, offering a full immersion into the sign’s magnetic allure with curated interior design details. The Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai will host the preview of the animation from January 9th to 11th, on the occasion of the Serpenti Infinito Exhibition event, while the global activation will be launched starting from Chinese New Year. As a Shanghai exclusive, guests will find VR headsets in their Serpenti Suite to enjoy a virtual immersive experience of the exhibition.
Images courtesy of Bvlgari
