In 2016, the Chi K11 art space under Shanghai K11 Art Mall launched the "Bagism" exhibition, pioneering an innovative dialogue between luxury handbags and Chinese contemporary art. The exhibition not only showcased handbag designs across different eras but also brought together 15 Chinese contemporary artists to participate, including a special contribution from renowned Shanghai artist Zhang Enli. Using a Hermès Birkin bag as his canvas, he created a truly unique artwork that was auctioned by Christie's in Shanghai in October 2016 after the exhibition concluded.
As a leading figure in Chinese contemporary art, Zhang Enli is celebrated for his distinctive painting vocabulary and spatial installations. His style blends abstract and expressionist qualities, demonstrating particular mastery in employing dynamic lines, richly layered colors, and unique textures to explore the subtle connections between material and spiritual worlds. The recurring linear elements, interwoven grids, and flowing traces in his classic series exhibit vivid vitality on the canvas. This singular visual expression resembles exquisite embroidery patterns. When translated onto the Birkin bag, those meandering, intertwined lines seem to come alive, gently embracing the bag's contours and constructing a poetic conversational space between luxury goods and contemporary art.