Bvlgari inaugurates its largest Serpenti Factory, hosted by the prestigious Genesis Art Gallery designed by Tadao Ando, marking the Grand Finale of two years-long celebrations dedicated to its icon Serpenti.
In 2023, in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the iconic Serpenti collection, Bvlgari launched the Serpenti Factory, an artistic initiative focusing 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. The project includes a series of creative collaborations between Bvlgari and international contemporary artists who developed exclusive artworks shedding light on the eclectic nature of Serpenti and its ability to embrace constant metamorphosis.
London, Madrid, Shanghai, Seoul, New York, Los Angeles, Dubai, Milan, Tokyo, and now, Beijing: after a two years-long journey which saw the involvement of local and international artists, the Serpenti Factory returns to China for its Grand Finale in Beijing. Here, in the prestigious setting of the Genesis Art Gallery, designed by the visionary Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the largest Serpenti Factory ever will be open to the public from July 19 to August 18. Opening its doors for the very first time to a luxury House for an exhibition, the exclusive location stands close to the Bvlgari Hotel Beijing. With a mesmerizing selection of 18 Serpenti-inspired artworks, created exclusively for Bvlgari, the ‘Serpenti Infinite Tales’ exhibition sees the highest participation of artists of the whole journey, displaying a series of new unpublished works as well of some of the most iconic artworks of the previous international stages. A memorable ending of Serpenti’s 75th anniversary celebrations, elevating the icon’s timeless fascination and perpetual evolution into many and multifaceted forms of art.
“Over the years, the ever-evolving serpent symbol has continuously ignited the imagination of various cultures, including that of Bvlgari. The Serpenti icon for us embodies a profound connection with the world of arts, and the Serpenti Factory is an exceptional representation of this spirit. It fosters a dialogue between Eastern and Western cultures, enhancing the Maison's cultural identity, built through 140 years of history of the brand.” Commented Jean-Christophe Babin, Bvlgari CEO.
Embracing many territories that are part of the symbol's identity, from heritage to craftsmanship, through multisensory technologies and the latest campaigns, the exhibition unfolds into five different chapters unveiling the infinite facets of the icon: The Legend of a Sign (I), Crafting Sinuosity (II), Serpenti Echo (III), The Serpent New Legend (IV) and Serpenti Imagery (V).
CHAPTER I – THE LEGEND OF A SIGN
The legend of Serpenti begins long before the mythical animal entered the prestigious realm of Bvlgari. Deeply rooted in the history of humanity, the snake captured the imagination from East to West through the millennia.
Its ever-shifting nature and eternal spirit have been a leitmotif of Bvlgari’s snake icon since its earliest origins in 1948, when the first Serpenti creation made its debut as jewelry-watch to be wrapped around the wrist.
Over the past 70-plus years, Bvlgari has continually explored the Serpenti sign, declining it not only in jewelry but also in other product categories, and establishing the serpent as an iconic design element revered by celebrities and synonymous with mystery and allure in the public imagination.
As visitors enter the exhibition, they leap into the past discovering the mystic power of the ancient totem. Precious documentary materials featuring bronze artifacts, statues, reliefs, manuscripts, and other cultural relics from around the world vividly illustrating the profound impact of the symbol across the canvas of human history.
Referring to ancient Greek mythology and ancient Chinese legends, multimedia artist Wu Junyong draws inspiration from the caduceus of Asclepius, and the snake bodied Gods Fuxi and Nuwa, to create a contemporary ink animation installation, "Seeds of Light". The seeds of light travel through time and space and transform all things, while the cycle of ouroboros moves endlessly, showing the eternal vitality represented by the serpent totem.
Drawing inspiration from the ancient Chinese text ‘The Classic of Mountains and Seas’, the artwork “Zhu Long” (Candle Dragon) created by contemporary artist Wu Jian'an, integrates mysterious snakes and traditions of different civilizations into contemporary art pieces. Featuring the snake-bodied ancient Chinese God "Zhu Long" as the main image, the artwork forms an intricate structure and effect leveraging modern cutting and setting aesthetics and techniques developed from gold and silver coating. The ultimate result is a magnificent world of fantasies that stimulates and expands the artistic imagination of the visitors.
CHAPTER II: CRAFTING SINUOSITY - FROM HERITAGE TO CONTEMPORARY CREATIONS
Having experienced an enchanting immersion in the first stage of the exhibition’s narrative, guests will enter the Crafting Sinuosity room to be captivated by Serpenti creations that have made their mark over the years, right up to contemporary pieces. The heritage pieces, born from Bvlgari's unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and creativity, features excellent techniques, magnificent gemstones, different colors of gold and unconventional materials such as colored enamels.
Serpenti pieces from the Heritage collection
The same inventive creativity is also reflected in the accessory universe, introducing an abstract snake motif on the iconic Melone evening bag, giving a new twist to the collection.
Paying homage to the Maison’s timeless creations of the past, on this special occasion Bvlgari unveiled new one-of-a-kind High Jewelry creativities showcasing, once again, the multifaceted nature of the symbol.
The Serpenti Heritage Turquoise necklace was inspired by the iconic High-End watch worn by world famous film star Elizabeth Taylor while starring in the legendary movie Cleopatra in 1962. The creation evokes the captivating hues of the Nile, embodying Bvlgari's commitment to excellence. The Serpenti Aquamarine Dive necklace depicts the ouroboros motif with rose gold, featuring a magnificent aquamarine at the centre. This masterpiece merges traditional craftsmanship with modern design, paying homage to the House’s Roman roots. The Serpenti Floral Embrace choker incorporates the dragon imagery from Chinese mythology into the Serpenti collection. Crafted in yellow gold, the intricately twisted snake is adorned with diamonds on its head and tail and embellished with pink tourmalines, amethysts and emeralds, radiating a vibrant Italian charm through its meticulous craftmanship and vibrant gemstones.
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Bvlgari's Serpenti Heritage Turquoise necklace, Serpenti Aquamarine Dive necklace, and Serpenti Floral Embrace choker
The immersive walk through continues honoring the architect who designed the superb exposition space, Tadao Ando. The Tadao Ando × Serpenti Tubogas watches are unveiled here for the first time, letting the visitor discover the very first artistic collaboration on the Serpenti Tubogas watches collection, that celebrates the fleeting splendor of nature, a theme dear to the Japanese architect. Green aventurine, tiger's eye, and either white or pink mother of pearl – each watch describes the changing hues of a forest across the four seasons.
In the frame of this exceptional products showcase, visitors will be able to admire the outstanding creative process behind the Serpenti Aeterna necklace. Created to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the brand, the necklace is the most extraordinary piece ever crafted by the Maison. and the highlight of Bvlgari’s latest High Jewelry collection Aeterna.
In a dedicated captivating space, a circular screen will show the emotional path that leads to the creation of this stunning work of art. Symbolizing eternity by giving diamonds the protagonist role, this unique creation features seven D flawless diamond drops totaling 140.00 carats, one for each year of the brand's history.
The video will unveil the behind the scenes of this exceptional work that required over 2,800 hours to complete, proving once again Bvlgari's excellent know-how.
Continuing with the flow of the exhibition representing the icon's past, present, and future through unique and compelling works of art, visitors will appreciate Artist Zhou Li's sculpture “Metamorphosis – Life as a Ring”, created with stainless steel and stone. The juxtaposition between stainless steel and emerald builds a unique texture, while the interlocking lines allude to the endless cycles of metamorphosis and rebirth that are the basis of nature itself.
CHAPTER III – SERPENTI ECHO
Moving ahead with the exhibition, Chinese artist Liu Jiayu captures the snake's transformative and regenerative essence with the video installation "Golden Theater". While being static, the serpent sculpture on the wall undergoes a metamorphosis with the projection of dynamic images, reflecting the spirit of exploration and evolution in the flow of time.
Italian artist Quayola merges Bvlgari's iconic serpent motif with modern algorithms in the mechanical installation "Sculpture Factory: Serpenti". A large industrial robot carves geometric patterns inspired by the snake form live on site, initiating a dialogue between history and modernity.
CHAPTER IV THE SERPENT NEW LEGEND: TRIBUTE TO CHINESE INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE
In homage to traditional Chinese craftsmanship, Chinese artist Qian Lihuai, also an inheritor of China's bamboo weaving cultural heritage, crafts “Serpentine”, an abstract sculpture, utilizing this centuries-old traditional technique. This work captures the serpent's agility and vitality through intricate bamboo structures, with sharp angles reminiscent of jewelry cutting.
Moreover, four young Chinese emerging artists - Chen Pengpeng, Jiang Ruiying, Qi Le, and Zheng Jiayan – interpret the ancient Chinese traditional craftsmanship in contemporary ways: including videos and installations or using the traditional techniques of knotting, weaving and paper-cutting they showcase the infinite ramifications of artistic innovation and, through their avant-garde creations, continue to perpetuate the legend of the sign.
“Spring Awakening” by Jiang Ruiying
CHAPTER V: SERPENTI IMAGERY
Continuing the itinerary under the sign of experimentation, guests encounter a new wave of artworks, starting with the thrilling video “Ring of Life” of Chinese artist Yang Yuanyuan. The artwork is inspired by the ouroboros and features images of landscapes and objects such as the earth, forests and vortexes, symbolizing the eternal cycle and renewal of all things.
Furthermore, Daniel Rozin takes inspiration from the golden scales of the Serpenti to create an interactive wall installation: “Snake Scales Mirror” where the lifelike movement of the scales reflects the viewers shadows.
Meanwhile, artist Jae-Eun Choi's “Meeting the Morning Dew” delicately illuminates the subdued exhibition space with warm-colored walls and a saffron carpet, echoing the time of dawn as darkness fades and the crimson’s light spreads. As dawn breaks, the golden snake glides elegantly to convey endless energy.
“Meeting the Morning Dew” by Jae-Eun Choi
Inspired by the Serpenti bag’s snake head, artist Shanliang creates “Baby Ball Python”, a sculpture that traverses aesthetic dimensional barriers to reach modern realism, unleashing the viewers’ imaginativeness. Hong Seung-Hye presents “Serpenti”, a series of wall artworks. Rooted in the artist's unique creative language, the installation interprets the rich metaphors of the snake resonating with the symbolic meaning of Bvlgari’s Serpenti collection. Utopic Arabia's “Serpenti Odyssey” takes viewers on a journey through time and space, tracing the serpent’s mythical journey from ancient Rome to the captivating Middle Eastern landscapes, on the hunt for its mythical origins through imaginative visuals. Cate M Mercier sculptures, “The Small and Big Python Head” and “The Mandarin”, are molded in clay and finely carved in bronze. These works dive into the serpent's multifaceted symbolism and evolutionary prowess.
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“The Mandarin” by Cate M Mercier
The Bvlgari Serpenti Infinite Tales exhibition will be open from July 19 until August 18, 2024 at the Beijing Genesis Art Gallery.
