GUCCI “Bamboo Jungle: Decoding an Icon” Exhibition Explores the Evolution of the Bamboo 1947 Bag
In the most challenging times, creativity and innovation often emerge. Following the material shortages after World War II, the Bamboo 1947 bag was born in 1947, showcasing a design that reflected both the era and craftsmanship through the use of bamboo. Recently, GUCCI hosted the “Bamboo Jungle: Decoding an Icon” exhibition in Shanghai, where stars such as Chinese actors Zhang Linghe, Song Weilong, Taiwanese actress Wen Qi, and Zhang Ziyi graced the event, adding to its star power. The exhibition will be open to the public starting April 1.
Inspired by the equestrian world, the curved bamboo handle not only serves as the bag’s defining feature but also pays homage to the bamboo walking stick favored by Guccio Gucci’s son. In Eastern philosophy, bamboo is often linked to resilience and tranquility, with classical poetry such as “Without bamboo, one is vulgar” and “Bamboo clears my mind and becomes my teacher” reflecting the cultural reverence for bamboo. The “Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove” from the Wei and Jin dynasties further connected bamboo to the cultured and refined circles of scholars and elites.
The “Bamboo Jungle: Decoding an Icon” exhibition is divided into seven sections: “Whispers of the Bamboo Forest,” “Bag Deconstruction,” “Craftsmanship Legacy,” “Bamboo Rhythms Collection,” “Contextual Connections,” “Metamorphosis and Rebirth,” and “Future Visions.” In the “Whispers of the Bamboo Forest” section, suspended bamboo art installations create a magical, dynamic bamboo forest scene, while a video by artist Christian Kondić, utilizing artificial intelligence, brings the forest to life with vibrancy and energy. The “Bag Deconstruction” section showcases the meticulous 428-step process, from paper model to the shaping and assembly of 37 individual leather pieces, revealing the intricate details of the Bamboo bag’s creation over 13 hours.
In the “Craftsmanship Legacy” section, the Gucci ArtLab workshop in Florence is recreated, offering a glimpse into the meticulous production process. Despite being housed in a historical Shanghai landmark where open flames cannot be used, a video directed by Davide Rapp allows visitors to witness artisans at work, showcasing techniques like flame-toasting bamboo, carving, polishing, and sewing. This process feels like witnessing the birth of a Bamboo 1947 bag. Given the nearly several decades of history behind the Bamboo 1947, the “Bamboo Rhythms Collection” features a selection of bamboo bags from the past 70 years, highlighting their diverse design, material choices, and aesthetic expressions. Lastly, the “Metamorphosis and Rebirth” section boldly collaborates with artist Francesco D’Abbraccio, who uses generative artificial intelligence to create a video installation that explores the endless possibilities of the GUCCI Bamboo 1947 bag.
