Discovered and uncovered – the invisible artist Lui Bolin
Lui Bolin is the invisible man
I came across this innovative artist. He’s called Liu Bolin – also known as the invisible man. Bolin born Shandong, China feels so at home in camouflage that he soon becomes part of the scenery……
now you see him - then you don't
The talented Bolin says that his art is a protest against the government closing down his studio in 2005. He insists that his art is political and that its about not fitting into society.
Bolin spends hours getting ready so he can disappear before his publics’ eyes. This short video shows the artist being painted to fit into a temple backdrop. I am most impressed with what he does 🙂 – truly amazing! In the picture below, it took me quite a while to spot him!
can you spot him?
Bolin feels like his artistry isn’t always valued in his own country. His art is a statement about not fitting into society. Using himself as his own canvas he can stand for hours before anyone spots him. His art can also be classed as performance art. There is a good interview here about this amazing artist and his work.
as part of a London phone booth
More pictures of his work here
yet more here
Some more images here
Lui Bolin is the invisible man
now you see him - then you don't
The talented Bolin says that his art is a protest against the government closing down his studio in 2005. He insists that his art is political and that its about not fitting into society.
Bolin spends hours getting ready so he can disappear before his publics’ eyes. This short video shows the artist being painted to fit into a temple backdrop. I am most impressed with what he does 🙂 – truly amazing! In the picture below, it took me quite a while to spot him!
can you spot him?
Bolin feels like his artistry isn’t always valued in his own country. His art is a statement about not fitting into society. Using himself as his own canvas he can stand for hours before anyone spots him. His art can also be classed as performance art. There is a good interview here about this amazing artist and his work.
as part of a London phone booth
More pictures of his work here
yet more here
Some more images here
can you spot him?
as part of a London phone booth
April 18, 2010 at 12:53 am
Pretty cool, really. What will artists think of next?
April 18, 2010 at 3:38 am
🙂 I know! it takes ages for him to be painted too. He takes his cue from nature and the way some animals can camouflage themselves. Glad you liked it Leslie 🙂
April 18, 2010 at 2:37 am
i’ve read about this guy.
Still find it incredible
April 18, 2010 at 3:40 am
the one with the truck is incredible – like where’s Wally 🙂 Great art form though!
April 19, 2010 at 11:27 am
I hold any form of art to always be a display of social protest. Art and society are irreconcilable entities. The only thing that makes the difference between the various forms of art is the degree to which they employ traditional ‘social’tools to fight against ‘society’.
Beautiful post!
April 19, 2010 at 2:39 pm
Yes, Art should rail against the Bourgeoisie and there are plenty of artists who either rail against the government, society or the art establishment itself. This is where you get the arguement ‘what is art?’ or ‘Is it art?’ Snob value. I shall be doing some post about ‘outsider’ art soon or artists who haven’t come up through the traditional route – art like the Stuckists the KLF, Banksy and the Gorilla girls (from my essay ‘Rage Against the Machine’) Thanks for your visit and valid comment – always appreciated 🙂
April 19, 2010 at 6:06 pm
Liu Bolin
On Fire
April 30 – June 4, 2010
Eli Klein Fine Art is proud to present Liu Bolin’s second solo exhibition at the gallery, this show features his new photography and sculpture.
Since Liu Bolin was first exhibited at Eli Klein Fine Art in 2007, the artist’s popularity has exploded in the international arena. His message of political protest is understood throughout the world and bridges gaps in language and culture. Discussions of his works have been the subject of emails, blogs, magazine and journal articles on a massive scale.
Liu Bolin’s earlier Hiding in the City photography series, in which he paints himself into the urban landscape, was inspired by the Chinese government’s demolition of the Suo Jiacun Artist Village in Beijing in 2006. He drew attention to great landmarks in China, both old and modern, while highlighting the lack of recognition which was paid to the citizens that built them. He portrayed the tragedy of the increasing insignificance of the individual in China as the government focused on presenting a modern commercial and industrial image. Rather than trying to fight, people attempted to hide and adapt to these forced changes.
Conversely, Liu Bolin’s newest sculptures rejoice in the new hope he has for humanity. His Burning Man and Burning Man Obama represent people’s anger and the subsequent desire for change in society. He celebrates people like President Obama who are “on fire,” unwilling to accept the world as it is today and trying to stand up for the true needs and concerns of the people.
Born in China’s Shandong province in 1973, Liu Bolin earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Shandong College of Arts and his Master of Fine Arts from the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing. His work has been exhibited throughout the world, including at the Today Art Museum in Beijing, the Museum on the Seam in Israel, the Berkshire Museum in Massachusetts, the Seoul Art Museum in Korea, and the Chicago Cultural Center in the United States.
Please join Eli Klein Fine Art in celebrating the increasing prominence of one of our artists. The exhibition will be on view from April 30 through June 4, 2010. Liu Bolin will be present for the opening reception on Friday April 30th.
For further information, please contact the gallery at (212) 255-4388 or info@EKfineart.com.
April 19, 2010 at 11:27 pm
Yes well done!!