Artist Liu Bolin utilizes the world, and his body, as a potential canvas. In 2005, he launched an evocative series entitled Hiding in the City, and later, The Invisible Man. Part photography, part performance, Bolin painstakingly paints his body to blend into his surroundings — from lush, natural backdrops to the technicolor urban jungle.
While he isn’t completely “hidden” in each photo, Bolin acts as a human chameleon. His uncanny ability to blend into every background under the sun makes you wonder how much you miss on a daily basis when you’re not living in the moment.
Bolin, on the other hand, is less poetic when it comes to describing his work. He says he’s simply “creating scenes that are statements about our relationship to our surroundings,” according to Metro UK.
Try to find him in these photos. Even if you think it’s easy to spot him after a second or two, imagine just how hard it must be to virtually disappear into such visually complex settings!
Please SHARE these incredible photographs with everyone you know.
All images courtesy of the artist, Liu Bolin.
Part of the beauty of Bolin's work is the process itself.
An assistant shows the artist a photo of the work in progress. Apparently, it takes a village to completely disappear.
Liu fades into his surroundings as you zoom out...
...until he blends into an ordinary row of vegetables in a grocery store like a human chameleon.
Generally, Bolin saves the face paint until right before the final photographs are taken.
This comic piece was performed and photographed in Caracas, Venezuela on November 2, 2013.
See the final product after the jump…
The artist himself adds the finishing touches to his human masterpiece.
A photograph taken from the wings of Bolin's stage is like pulling back the curtain on a magic trick.
The final product is truly awesome to behold.
Stores with brightly colored products and toys are a favorite "hiding" place for Bolin...
...but that doesn't keep him from experimenting outside.
Watch Bolin cleverly "hide" within a construction site on the next page…
The artist hides his body against a construction site.
Hiding in the library is something everyone did at least once in high school, but Liu takes it to the next level.
For some, finding Liu against this spectacular blue mural is easy.
The brighter the backdrop, the more spectacular the final photo...
More hidden man photos on the next page…
Detail is everything when it comes to camoflage.
A ghost at the movie theater?? Nah, just Liu again.
A tourist-y photo with a twist.
If you rushed by Liu at this park, would you see him at first?
Or would you have to be paying attention in the moment?
Please SHARE Bolin's magnificent work with all of your friends!
