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"Mystical Serpent" Art Installation Unites Eastern and Western Mythology on Historic Shanghai Facade

In January 2025, the historic facade of The Inlet in Shanghai became the canvas for "Mystical Serpent," a visionary light art installation conceived by renowned designer Weijie Yang and his creative team. Inspired by the ancient Chinese serpent deity Zhulong and the Roman domestic snake, the installation symbolizes renewal, protection, and the enduring thread of life, bridging Eastern and Western cultural narratives. The project's debut coincides with the Year of the Snake, infusing the city's architectural heritage with contemporary artistic vitality.

The installation features a 7- to 14-meter-long inflatable serpent crafted from lightweight, recyclable materials. Its winding, three-dimensional form weaves through the building's windows and across the ground, merging seamlessly with expansive pseudo-3D murals that cover over 350 square meters of wall space. The vibrant patterns-combining Chinese auspicious motifs and Roman symbols-are meticulously designed to evoke a sense of movement and depth, while glass stickers and printed fabrics enhance the illusion of the serpent slithering through both space and time. The installation's lighting scheme transforms the building by day and night, offering a dynamic visual experience for visitors and passersby.

"Mystical Serpent" is not only a celebration of cultural heritage but also a catalyst for community engagement. Installed in a public alley, the artwork invites interaction, drawing residents, tourists, and diverse audiences into a shared festive space. The project's realization involved overcoming significant technical and creative challenges, from integrating three-dimensional inflatable elements with historic architecture to developing a unified visual language that honors both Chinese and Western traditions. Extensive research into cross-cultural symbolism and public space activation informed the design, resulting in an installation that enhances social cohesion and redefines the role of public art in urban environments. The project's excellence was recognized with the Platinum A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design Award in 2025, underscoring its impact on the global design landscape.

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