BVLGARI, the renowned Roman jeweller, has officially launched the house’s highly anticipated Serpenti Infinito exhibition in Shanghai, marking the first stop of a global tour that celebrates the ever-evolving allure of its iconic Serpenti symbol.
Situated in the historic Zhangyuan district, known for its fusion of Chinese and Western architectural styles, the exhibition will remain open until the 16th of February, providing visitors with a mesmerising blend of culture, art, and luxury.
The exhibition, which honours the Year of the Snake in Chinese tradition, brings together 28 works of art crafted by 19 international and Chinese artists. Inspired by the symbolic snake motif, these installations reflect the timeless themes of transformation, renewal, and unity.
Postcards with Serpenti artworks
The Universal Charm of Serpenti
Since its introduction in 1948, BVLGARI’s Serpenti collection has undergone constant metamorphosis, embodying the snake’s enduring symbolism of rebirth and power. The Serpenti Infinito exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore this emblem’s rich heritage and boundless potential through three curated chapters: Crafting Serpents in History, Snakes in the Arts, and Contemporary Transformations.
In the first chapter, visitors can delve into the deep historical roots of the snake in Chinese mythology, symbolising wisdom, vitality, and protection. Artefacts such as the ancient entwined serpent deities Fu Xi and Nü Wa are placed alongside BVLGARI’s heritage jewellery pieces, including its legendary five-coil Serpenti Pallini bracelet watch from 1955.
The second chapter focuses on the snake’s role in artistic expression, showcasing interpretations by celebrated artists like Xu Bing and Azza Al Qubaisi. Highlights include Xu Bing’s Square Word Calligraphy: Serpenti, which blends traditional Chinese calligraphy with modern text, symbolising wisdom, and Luka Yuanyuan Yang’s evocative short film Ring of Life, which draws on the eternal Ouroboros motif.
Chinese New Year Bazaar
A Glimpse into the Future of Art and Design
The final chapter, Contemporary Transformations, reimagines the snake through the lens of modern technology. One of the centrepieces is Infinito: AI Data Sculpture, an immersive installation by Turkish artist Refik Anadol. Using artificial intelligence, Anadol presents a dynamic 360-degree mirrored room that explores infinite forms of transformation, echoing the fluid and ever-changing nature of Serpenti.
Adding to the futuristic allure, BVLGARI introduces two innovative experiences: an immersive virtual reality journey through the Serpenti universe and an interactive product showcase that responds to visitors’ movements, offering a captivating dive into the maison’s craftsmanship and heritage.
Infinito Ai Data Sculpture” by Refik Anadol
New Launches in the Serpenti Collection
To commemorate this grand event, BVLGARI has also unveiled new additions to its Serpenti collection. These include striking jewellery pieces, such as Serpenti Viper creations in rose and yellow gold, and a dazzling Serpenti Cuore 1968 bag inspired by the maison’s vintage Harlequin watch design. A special highlight is the one-of-a-kind Serpenti Infinito high jewellery necklace featuring a 140.53-carat rubellite at its centre, reflecting the infinite elegance BVLGARI is known for.
