XU ZHEN®: NEWCOMERS

On 13th May 2021, Hermès unveils its Summer windows display as well as an art exhibition at Hermès Maison in Shanghai. Both entitled Newcomers, the new windows and the exhibition echo Hermès’ annual theme, “An Odyssey”, presenting an aesthetic outlook that transcends the shackles of time.

The inspiration for the summer windows comes from the evolution of visual art throughout human history. Fig- ures of humans and gods from Greek mythology are suspended above urban skyscrapers and submerged among corals on the seafloor, reflecting the multiple narratives throughout the “Odyssey” that demonstrate the progression of human civilization.

In each window, objects from the Hermès collections are displayed in an inventive and surprising way unex- pectedly depicting an unknown future, creating a poetic connection between mythology and reality. In the women’s window, human characters bravely explore the depths of the ocean with the help of the Greek gods. Floating silk scarves are transformed into “divine powers” that escort them as they advance towards the hand- bags that symbolise treasures on the seafloor. In the men’s window, unknown objects represented by bags, accessories, and perfumes lure adventurers to explore the mysteries of the universe. The fantastical visual effects prompt viewers’ minds to wander between the connections of the past, present and future.

On the fourth floor of the Maison Shanghai, as a continuation of the windows display, the artist presents an exhibition featuring two collections, Newcomers and Under Heaven; a humorous harmonisation with modern life which establishes a new starting point for traditional culture in contemporary contexts.

The Newcomers collection has been created especially by the artist for this exhibition. Thanks to the comic book style distortion and partial replacement of mythological figures, the sense of humour created by XU ZHEN® is prominent. By contrast, Under Heaven uses vibrant, colourful swirls reminiscent of cream decorations to create a mystic landscape that reflects a pleasant and sensual reality.

The work by Chinese contemporary artist XU ZHEN® covers installations, photography, video and performance. He continues to explore the integration of human history and culture in this window installation, in-keeping with Hermès’ 2021 annual theme “An Odyssey”.