Incredible Photos of the Artist Who Makes Himself Invisible
Look closely at these photographs. Shut down by the Chinese government, Liu Bolin has mastered the art of disappearing
Liu Bolin remembers what it feels like to truly be invisible. In 2005, the Chinese government shut down Beijing’s thriving art village, Suo Jia Cun, demolishing some 100 studios, including Liu’s. He protested the state’s treatment of artists with a photographic series, Hiding in the City. “I was a meaningless person, according to society,” Liu says. “Those years made me feel like people can exist or completely disappear.”
Liu disappears. He stands still for hours as an assistant paints him to match his surroundings. Liu hopes his works—like the one above, where he blends into propaganda art (look for his shoes under the white-jacketed soldier)—will compel people to ponder the often contentious relationship between the individual and society.
Through the Eye
JR Through the Eye of Liu Bolin, 2012
Hiding in New York
Hiding in New York No. 7 -- Made in China, 2012
Hiding in the City
Hiding in the City No.93 - Supermarket No.2, 2010
Hiding in the City
Hiding in the City No. 91 - Great Wall, 2010
Hiding in the City
Hiding in the City No. 88 - Sawmill, 2010
Hiding in the City
Hiding in the City No. 85 - Chinese Courtyard, 2009
Hiding in the City
Hiding in the City No. 95 - Coal Pile, 2010
Hiding in the City
Hiding in the City No. 73 - Decorated with the Locomotive, 2008
Hiding in New York
Hiding in New York No. 3 - Magazine Rack, 2011
Hiding in New York
Hiding in New York No. 4 - Ground Zero, 2011
Jean Paul Gaultier
Jean Paul Gaultier, 2011
Lagoon City of Venice
Lagoon City of Venice, 2010
Royal Box
Royal Box at Teatro alla Scala, 2010
Hiding in New York
Hiding in New York No. 1 - Wall Street Bull, 2011