How a Single Serpent Bridged Rome and Mumbai

Bulgari’s iconic snake just wrapped Mumbai in a tale of infinite art, AI, and a 75-year legacy of pure glamour

For over seventy-five years, Bulgari’s Serpenti has been more than just jewelry. This iconic symbol of transformation has wrapped itself around wrists, necks, and history itself. Its latest chapter? A spectacular takeover of Mumbai!

Welcome to the Serpenti Infinito exhibition, a traveling showcase that created a dazzling bridge between Rome and India. From October 2nd to 17th, this event was a full-blown celebration of artistry, proving this serpent’s charm is truly eternal.

Beyond a Beautiful Motif

Forget a simple sparkle. This exhibition, curated by heritage director Gislain Aucremanne, dove deep into the serpent's role as a powerful artistic symbol. "Serpenti Infinito, the 'infinite serpent,' represents boundless inspiration that flows through all art forms," Aucremanne shared. After enchanting Shanghai and Seoul, this cultural journey found its perfect partner in Mumbai's Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre.

This partnership was built on a beautiful, shared legacy. Aucremanne revealed the core connection, "In both Roman and Indian traditions, the serpent is a positive, protective symbol." The entire vision was to celebrate this link through a stunning mix of painting, sculpture, and contemporary installations.

Photo: Jignesh Jhaveri

Mumbai's Unique Magic

The goal for the Indian edition was clear: give it its own distinct soul. The brilliant solution involved collaborating with local artists, curated by Nature Morte. This move sparked an incredible fusion, blending legendary Italian craftsmanship with dynamic Indian creativity.

But the showstopper was a futuristic twist! A mesmerizing AI-powered installation by Refik Anadol placed visitors inside a mirrored space with a sculptural 'totem'. This groundbreaking work extended the life of heritage, using technology to make the past feel thrillingly new.

Photo: Jignesh Jhaveri

A Legacy That Never Stands Still

The exhibition was a masterclass in style evolution. The Serpenti story began in the late 1940s with the ingenious tubo gas design, a flexible bracelet inspired by industrial gas pipes.

The plot thickened in the ‘50s and ‘60s when the serpent’s head famously opened to reveal a secret watch. This clever design evoked the ouroboros, symbolizing infinity and time.

And the Mumbai highlight? A breathtaking necklace featuring vibrant green and blue enamel with a cabochon sapphire. As Aucremanne proudly stated, "Serpenti is not bound by time, it is time itself." This iconic piece continues to reinvent itself, slithering gloriously into the future.

Photo: Jignesh Jhaveri

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