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For centuries, the serpent has slithered through the soul of Indian mythology—not as a creature to fear, but as a sacred symbol of life’s eternal rhythm: birth, death, and rebirth—the never-ending cycle of time coils like a serpent, ever-turning. Lord Shiva, the cosmic dancer and destroyer, wears snakes like timeless ornaments around his neck, embodying the past, present, and future in their sinuous form. It is also seen as the symbol of sensuality.
Even when Bvlgari, the renowned Roman haute joaillerie brand, continues its celebration of the Chinese year of the snake with the unveiling of the Serpenti Infinito exhibition in India, the connection remains palpable. The exhibition was opened at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), BKC, Mumbai, on October 1 with an exclusive preview by Bvlgari’s global brand ambassador, Priyanka Chopra Jonas . The show then threw open its doors to the public on October 2 and will continue till October 17.
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Following its successful showcases in Shanghai and Seoul earlier this year, the India edition of Serpenti Infinito continues to explore the enduring evolution of Bvlgari’s iconic Serpenti motif through the lenses of art, history, and innovation. This special edition features more than 75 works by 23 acclaimed Indian and international artists. A key highlight is Infinito: AI Data Sculpture by Refik Anadol—a large-scale, AI-powered immersive installation housed within a 360-degree mirrored room.
Since its debut in 1948, the Serpenti has symbolised Bvlgari’s spirit of transformation, creativity, and reinvention. India, a longstanding source of inspiration and craftsmanship for the Maison, adds a more profound cultural resonance to the symbol. In Indian mythology, the serpent—or naga—represents strength, protection, and renewal.
Through this exhibition, Bvlgari weaves a compelling cross-cultural dialogue between Roman craftsmanship and India’s rich symbolic heritage. “India has always been a profound source of inspiration for Bvlgari, thanks to its rich history, exceptional craftsmanship, and deep cultural heritage,” said Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bvlgari. “Bringing Serpenti Infinito to Mumbai is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of shared creativity and timeless symbolism. The Serpenti continues to evolve as a universal icon of reinvention, elegance, and artistic expression.”
Curated by Nature Morte, one of India’s leading contemporary art galleries founded by Peter Nagy and Aparajita Jain, and led by Nature Morte’s artistic director Sean Anderson, the exhibition presents a rich dialogue between heritage, creativity, and cultural exchange.
Featured artists include Alicja Kwade, Amit Mahadev Dombhare, Arinjoy Sen, Baua Devi, Banku Chitrakar, Bharti Kher, Enter Projects, Harshit Agrawal, L.N. Tallur, L. Rathakrishnan, Moumita Das, Olivia Fraser, Pors & Rao, Pramodbabu Ramteke, R. Srinivasan, Radha Sollur, Reena Saini Kallat, Rithika Merchant, Sayan Chanda, Simryn Gill, Sonsay Kashyap, Subodh Gupta, and Sunita & Yamini Nayar.
“Serpenti Infinito provides a powerful platform for cultural exchange, linking Rome and India through the timeless symbolism of the serpent,” says Sean Anderson. “By combining Bvlgari’s historic Serpenti collection with contemporary and traditional artistic interpretations of the naga, the exhibition creates meaningful new narratives.”
The exhibition is structured around three thematic chapters—Chapter I: Crafting Serpents in History that delves into the symbolic roots of the serpent in Indian mythology and culture; Chapter II: A Mythic Presence that explores how the naga continues to inspire indigenous, modern, and contemporary art practices and Chapter III: Infinite Transformations, a forward-looking chapter that imagines Serpenti’s future through technology and innovation.
Complementing the artistic works on display, Bvlgari showcases a selection of Serpenti pieces from its heritage, fine jewellery, and watch collections, including never-before-seen high jewellery creations. These pieces highlight the serpent’s endless reinterpretations through Bvlgari’s exceptional craftsmanship and design evolution.
“India is and will always be home, so seeing Serpenti Infinito debut here feels incredibly special,” said Priyanka Chopra Jonas. “This exhibition beautifully reflects transformation, heritage, and artistic expression—values that speak to both Bvlgari and the Indian spirit. I’m honoured to be part of this meaningful moment.” For Isha Ambani , Director Reliance Industries Ltd, it was their vision to unite the finest Indian and global art, as she says, “hosting Serpenti Infinito is a celebration of a shared legacy of creativity and excellence. This marks a groundbreaking collaboration between India and Bvlgari.”
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