2025 is the Year of the Snake (Yisi), according to the Chinese zodiac. Snakes hold an important and richly layered place in cultures all over the world. People appreciate the splendid and unique gesture of snakes, fear the danger of snakes, and revere the transformative power it embodies through the act of shedding its skin—an act likened to rebirth. As one of the earliest totems of the Chinese civilization, images of snakes date back over 8,000 years. Legends and rich connotations associated with snakes have flowed and evolved over thousands of years. 

Presented midway through the year, this exhibition features a selection of modern and contemporary artworks from a private collection. In Gallery 6, more than thirty abstract artworks resonate visually with the imagery of snakes and other biomorphic forms. Artists convey meaning through line and evoke spirit through shape—some capturing the texture of natural materials, others interpreting the form and structure of creatures, and still others using mixed media to emphasize the expression of force and dynamics. Meanwhile, in Gallery 3, another group of over thirty paintings takes inspiration from seasonal views of nature and mountain landscapes.

At the height of summer, amidst the lush greenery of the West Bund, Long Museum is holding this snake-themed exhibition in celebration of the Year of the Snake. This exhibition aims to present the influence of natural elements and biological forms on artistic creation. It is our hope that this vibrant vitality will uplift every viewer—inviting them to feel the winding lines as vessels of boundless hope, and to see in the coiled forms a reflection of diligence and inner strength.