Photographer #370: Liu Bolin

Liu Bolin, 1973, China, is a sculptor and conceptual photographer. He received a B.A. from Shandong University of Arts in Jinan and an M.F.A. in sculpture at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing. When in 2005 the Chinese government ordered the demolition of the Beijing International Art Camp which housed Liu's studio he created an image as a response. He painted his body against the rubble of the demolished building. It was the first image of the extended body of work entitled Hiding in the City. His entire body is painted to create an effect that makes him fade away into the background. Due to this body of work he is also called "The Invisible Man". Some of his work is a protest against the actions of the Chinese government and other pieces deal with other social issues as the process of urbanization in contemporary China. His photographs always possess a clear thought and statement. He also created images in Milan, Venice and New York. The images have been exhibited throughout the world. The following works come from the series Hiding in the City and Dragon Series.