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Liu BolinChinese artist
Date of Birth: 07.01.1973
Country:  China |
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Biography of Liu Bolin
Liu Bolin, a Chinese artist, was born in Shandong, China in 1973. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Shandong College of Arts in 1995 and later obtained his master's degree from the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing in 2001. Bolin's unique artistry revolves around one goal – to remain unnoticed. His work is a form of performance art, where he blends himself seamlessly into the surrounding environment. Whether it be supermarket shelves, pedestrian crosswalks, or green bushes, Bolin camouflages himself, making it nearly impossible to detect his presence. By painting himself to match the surrounding reality, he becomes like a sculpture, frozen and invisible.
Early Career
By the time Bolin had completed his master's degree, his works were already widely recognized, not only in China but also around the world. He held his first exhibition in Beijing in 1998, showcasing photographs, sculptures, and installations. His art later had the honor of being displayed in the country's top museums. However, Bolin's most intriguing quality lies in his role as the Invisible Artist.
The Disappearing Artist
One of his most popular projects is the series "Hiding in the City." Imagine a shelf of vegetables in a supermarket. As you examine the cabbage and eggplants, mentally selecting your choices, the shelf subtly shifts and protrudes into the aisle. The silhouette of the "shelf" remarkably resembles a human figure. That is Liu Bolin, the Invisible Artist! Completely painted to blend with the products, he seamlessly merges into the landscape, making it nearly impossible to notice him. Bolin presented this artwork in Beijing in 2011.
Another photograph from the same series was dedicated to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City. Bolin stood motionless next to a chain-link fence filled with leaflets bearing the names of the victims. With the help of his assistants, he was painted to match the fence and the colorful stickers on it. Standing still for several hours is a trivial matter for him – Bolin is a true master of his craft. He can "disappear" into any landscape, no matter how complex, seamlessly blend in, and only those who are aware and involved in the process can suspect his presence.
Bolin considers this project as a means to draw attention to the powerlessness of individuals in the face of their environment. He calls his works optical illusions and sees them as a form of political protest and a way to hide from authorities. However, most people view Bolin's creations as art masterpieces, without attaching any political connotations to them. The Invisible Artist has showcased his art-hideouts in Europe, Asia, and America, leaving audiences truly astonished. Bolin considers the "Hiding in the City" series as a significant milestone and takes immense pride in the collection of photographs.
In addition to his hidden art, Bolin also creates more tangible works of art. For instance, he sculpted a mannequin of Barack Obama in honor of the American president's visit to China. Currently, the artist resides and works in Beijing, with his works displayed in New York, Paris, and Brussels. In 2013, Bolin collaborated with Bon Jovi to create the cover for their album "What About Now."
