The “Bulgari Serpenti 75 Years of Infinite Tales” Exhibition Opens in Shanghai
Taking place at Museum of Contemporary Art Shanghai, the exhibition explores the legendary world of the beloved serpentine motif of Bulgari.
The animal kingdom continues to be a potent source of inspiration for many brands across different sectors. For a storied house like Bulgari, the snake is more than a creative endeavour but a statement of female empowerment that has transcended generations. It has been 75 years since Bulgari debuted its first Serpenti collection. This year, the brand celebrates its Diamond Jubilee with an exhibition called “Bulgari Serpenti 75 Years of Infinite Tales”. The show will take place at the Museum of Contemporary Art Shanghai between 24 March and 17 April, and centres on the endless metamorphosis of the house’s signature motifs and contemporary art.
The exhibition itself will feature three thematic sections: “The Legend of a Sign”, “Crafting Sinuosity”, and “The Future of an Icon”. Curated by artist Cao Dan, the “Bulgari Serpenti 75 Years of Infinite Tales” also invited contemporary artists such as Liu Jiayu, Qian Lihuai, Wu Jian’an, Wu Junyong, and Zhou Li to reinterpret the heritage and signature design codes of the Serpenti. Along with the reimagination from these artists, Bulgari created five Serpenti High Jewellery creations to celebrate this momentous occasion. Gemstones like a 4.11-carat royal blue sapphire from Madagascar takes centre stage in the Serpenti Sapphire Embrace High Jewellery set. For the Serpenti Sapphire Gaze necklace, 30.99 carats of pavé-set diamonds and two brilliant step-cut sapphires forms make up the serpent’s livery. Over at the Serpenti Emerald Crown, the necklace is the only 18kt rose gold piece of the exclusive selection and exemplifies Bulgari’s superb goldsmithing technique of the 1950s while also interspersed with pavé diamonds.
Also unveiled in tandem with the exhibition is the launch of the Serpenti Factory, “an artistic initiative focussing on the snake as an endless source of creative production, drawing on the imagery of the icon to discover how the inspirations, symbols, techniques and archives of the Maison continue to influence the inexhaustible creativity and craftsmanship of Serpenti.”
At the Serpenti Factory, visitors will be introduced to the myriad forms the snake takes up and are now integral to its history and craftsmanship. From the use of multisensory technologies to new campaigns, the past, present and future are united and presented majestically to immerse guests in the legendary world of the serpent.
A Bulgari event would not be completed without celebrities donning some of its most prestigious jewellery. The brand’s latest global brand ambassador Liu Yifei was spotted wearing the Serpenti High Jewellery collection at the opening ceremony. Adorned on the award-winning actress’ neck was a pavé diamond necklace. Emerald eyes are set into the white gold head of the Serpenti, which wonderfully complements the serpent’s serpentine form. The necklace sparkled and enticed with its sinuous form and tactile textures, accompanying the global brand ambassador to witness Serpenti’s never-ending transformation since its debut 75 years ago, along with a ring and earrings from the same collection.
The “Bulgari Serpenti 75 Years of Infinite Tales” exhibition will take place from 24 March to 17 April at the Museum of Contemporary Art Shanghai. Book a visit to the collection through Bulgari’s official WeChat mini programme.
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