Sean Anderson Curates Serpenti Infinito Mumbai, Emphasizing Mythology and Indian Art

Sean Anderson, artistic director of Serpenti Infinito Mumbai, discusses the exhibition's focus on the serpent as a shapeshifting symbol that transcends time and cultural boundaries. The Mumbai edition marks the third iteration of Serpenti Infinito, following previous shows in Shanghai and Seoul. Anderson emphasizes the importance of showcasing Indian and South Asian art, challenging hierarchies that often marginalize indigenous practices. He collaborated with numerous galleries and cultural institutions across India, including Nature Morte, to create a collective presentation rather than a singular commercial endeavor. The exhibition explores the serpent's presence in ancient bronzes, wall murals, and architectural motifs across the Indian subcontinent, while also examining its universal significance in early global art forms. Anderson advocates for a simultaneity of past and present, rejecting artificial divisions between art, craft, and design. The scenography is designed to interweave narratives, highlighting India's relationship with Rome and Bvlgari's historical context. Anderson views exhibition-making as visual storytelling that poses questions rather than solving problems, aiming to make art accessible beyond elite circles. He stresses the responsibility of working with universal symbols in the public realm, hoping the exhibition will inspire further explorations of serpent symbolism across South Asia and beyond.