Serpenti in Art: Bulgari Unveils Captivating Collaboration with Contemporary Artists
In celebration of the deep connection between the mythical serpent and the world of art, Bulgari has launched a limited-edition collection of Serpenti Forever handbags in collaboration with three contemporary artists: Sunwoo Kim, Zhou Li, and Sophie Kitching.
The serpent has been an endless source of inspiration throughout time, space, and diverse cultures, often becoming a manifestation of limitless human imagination within the realm of art. As Serpenti marks its 75th anniversary this year, Bulgari's iconic symbol of metamorphosis once again dedicates a magnificent territory for creative experimentation, akin to a blank canvas for venturing into new explorations.
The Serpenti in Art capsule collection comprises six handbags and emerges from a collaboration with three contemporary artists who bring their creative vision and unique mastery to the multifaceted and ever-fascinating world of Bulgari's serpent. For the first time, this perpetual evolution extends into the virtual realm of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) through a unique digital experience exclusively accessible to the owners of a handbag from the collection.
Renowned for his symbolic dodos representing the pursuit of freedom and happiness, Korean painter Sunwoo Kim brings his artistic universe to the heart of the Serpenti Forever handbag. As an emblem of timeless elegance and versatility, the bag comes in two distinct animations. The daytime version is adorned with an imaginary forest of green embossed leaves on the calf leather body, enhancing the three-dimensional effect and dynamic texture of the image. A playful surprise hides beneath the flap, where a whimsical dodo emerges from the foliage, while the coordinating serpent head clasp displays a rich palette of green enamels and black onyx eyes.
The evening version immerses itself in a nocturnal landscape adorned with Bulgari's iconic eight-pointed stars. Symbolizing the pursuit of dreams, the symbolic dodo takes flight in a blue sky illuminated with shimmering golden details and embroidered applications. The enchanting serpent head clasp, exuding a golden glow, features a captivating "diamond-cut" effect where a grainy metallic texture shines like a snow-set diamond pavé, accompanied by hypnotic lapis lazuli eyes.
Chinese artist Zhou Li, known for her talents in painting, sculpture, installations, and public art, reimagines the Serpenti Forever handbag by employing the original language of her lyrical abstract paintings.
The first creation, named "Ocean" after the image it evokes, draws inspiration from Zhou Li's series of paintings titled "Landscape of Nowhere: Water and Dreams," dedicated to the theme of freedom and hope for humanity. The iconic combination of blue and pink shades, along with Zhou Li's magnificent brushstrokes, brings forth a dreamlike universe on the calf leather body of the bag.
The second interpretation, titled "Forest," takes inspiration from another renowned series by the artist called "Spring," celebrating the power of nature and the eternal cycle of life. Evocative symbolism and references to Chinese landscape paintings merge with the romantic forest atmosphere, while a profusion of details animates the calf leather bag through golden embroideries and precious applications, providing rich textural depth to this creation. Both bags are complemented by the iconic serpent head clasp with coordinated enamel scales, featuring a geometric brass handle with golden mirror finishes and gemstone inlays, including malachite and rose quartz. This collaboration between Zhou Li's artistry and Bulgari's craftsmanship draws inspiration from the artist's installation "Metamorphosis - The Ring of Life," celebrating the serpent as a symbol of the union between Chinese and European cultures, reason and vitality, metal and gemstones, Art Nouveau and minimalism.
At the age of 33and based in the United States, artist Sophie Kitching applies her conceptual approach to two animations of the Serpenti Forever handbag. Intrigued by the duality of the serpent and its infinite power of transformation, she plays with opposing forces such as day and night, interior and exterior.
Similar to a painting from her series "Invisible Green," the first handbag displays the same myriad of colors, petals, and leaves on a white calf leather canvas. Just like the serpent's sublime scales, dynamic and evocative brushstrokes culminate in the iconic serpent head clasp embellished with coordinated multicolored enamel inserts.
Nature-inspired patterns also enliven the artist's second creation. Here, the fascinating contrast between intense colors and the black calf leather background inspired by the painting "Nocturne" reflects the mysterious forms and metamorphosis of the serpent.
These exclusive creations, destined for art enthusiasts and Serpenti fans, will be unveiled at the Serpenti in Art event organized by Bulgari during Paris Haute Couture Week. As this collection commemorates the icon's 75th anniversary, each handbag is offered in a limited edition of 75 pieces.