The Invisible Artist
Liu Bolin is protesting the government shutdown of his art studio by painting himself invisible into the landscape.
His art is wonderful on many levels, but the metaphor for his protest is clear. Art and design students can learn much from how his deliberate blurring of the lines between figure and ground produces interest and novelty. Liu’s work succeeds on many levels, but most notably in the way that it evokes at the same time delight and sympathy; something very difficult to achieve.
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Comments (1)
1. Liu Bolin returns to New York for his second solo exhibition, ON FIRE, at ELI KLEIN FINE ART NEW YORK
Opening April 30th
Private Reception with the artist: 6-9 PM
462 West Broadway
New York, NY 10012
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 on the international arena. His message of political protest is understood throughout the world and bridges gaps in language and culture. His works have been communicated via emails, blogs, magazines and journals 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.
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