Bvlgari unveils Serpentiform exhibition in Chengdu, China

Following the success of the previous editions in Rome, Singapore and Tokyo, Bvlgari inaugurated yesterday the fourth edition of SerpentiForm at Chengdu Museum that will run until August 25. 

Epitomizing seduction, rebirth and transformation, the snake has been intertwined for centuries with the history of mankind, captivating the imagination from East to West. During the 1940s, Bvlgari captured the expressive power of this symbol, reinterpreting it with supple bracelet-watches that over the decades established themselves as true icons of the Brand’s bold creativity.

Paying tribute to a motif that has contributed to increasing the Maison's international fame, with SerpentiForm Bvlgari offers an eclectic itinerary to illustrate how the snake has also inspired many important names in art, fashion and photography.

Jointly curated with Chengdu Museum, SerpentiForm further explores the multi-faceted nature of the snake with closer attention to the Chinese artistic and cultural context. On display, the works of esteemed Chinese contemporary artists such as Yang Mian, Sun Hao, Kang Chunhui and Wu Jian’an feature alongside protagonists of Asian and Western artistic scene.  Rare antiquities across 5,000 years of history from ancient Rome and Chinese dynasties enrich the journey through a stimulating dialogue between two cultures that were both fascinated by the sinewy reptile.

A review of splendid Bulgari Serpenti creations closes the exhibition. The selection includes current creations and archival creations that will be on display for the very first time, thus showing how, yesterday like today, the motif of the snake continues to evolve and to feed the inexhaustible creativity of the Maison.

In the afternoon the press conference took place with Bvlgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin, Chengdu Museum Director Li Mingbin and Deputy Consul General of Italy in Chongqing Mr. Davide Castellani giving their speeches. Subsequently, Mr. Babin, Mr. Castellani and Bvlgari Brand and Heritage Curator Lucia Boscaini were joined on the stage by the Brand ambassadors  Kris Wu and Jolin Tsai for a nice conversation about the exhibition contents and the relevance of the snake from different perspectives.

Ms. Ning Jing, Ms. Jiang Qinqin, Ms. Liliya Tong and Ms. Zhang Yuqi, young actresses Ms. Li Qin and Ms. Xiaofeng Li, young actor Mr. Allen Deng, and young singer Mr. Evan Lin further endorsed with their acclaimed presence the much awaited presentation of the exhibition.

Jean-Christophe Babin thus commented: “Once again, SerpentiForm conveys the eternal appeal of the snake symbol, bridging Rome and China in a magnificent cultural feast”.

The opening ceremony was preceded by the exciting light up of a majestic Serpenti-themed installation at IFS Mall in presence of Jean-Christophe Babin, Greater China Managing Director Kolia Neveux and Jolin Tsai. Press and guests then attended the unveiling of the exhibition at Chengdu Museum. Enthralling performances imbued the ceremony with vibrant energy: the fast paced drum rhythm left the stage to captivating dance performances with serpentine suggestions. Guests got impressed by the compelling variety of the sinuous exhibition path: the multi-sensorial set up offers an immersive experience with sounds and video mapping amplifying the charm of snake-inspired art.

The exhibition is complemented by a WeChat mini program featuring audio guides recorded by Shu Qi, Kris Wu, Jolin Tsai. The mini program includes an amusing “treasure hunt”:  by scanning QR codes in the exhibition space, visitors can get a digital gift as special token of their SerpentiForm journey.