The Hidden Man
Friday, August 20, 2010 at 11:54PM
itchy i

Liu Bolin, Hiding in the City No. 86, 2009 Photograph 46 1/2 x 59 inches h: 118 x w: 150 cm Liu Bolin, Hiding in the City No. 71- Bulldozer, 2008 Photograph 46 1/2 x 59 inches h: 118 x w: 150 cm

It must have been a nearly soul destroying experience.

Chinese Artist Liu Bolin lost his home and his art studio in 2005 when the Chinese government tore down Suojiacun, a little old art village in the Northeastern part of Bejing.

The country officials ruthlessly used their bulldozers to make space for new developments and the Olympic Games.

The shock about his loss and the disagreement with his government's respectless treatment of its people and the environment led to Bolin's "Hiding in the City' project - which he published first in 2007. He made himself invisible to highlight the sad truth that a single person's life doesn't mean a lot in his homeland. Read the full interview here>> (Whitehot Magazine)

I know this is not a new story - but I only just discovered it. I like these works on two levels. First of course the incredible execution (no Photoshop involved) of a meaningful idea. But also secondly it reminds me once more of the fact that often great art derives from a great pain or loss. Something good rises from the bad.

Check out Eli Klein Fine Art for more of his recent work.

Liu Bolin, Hiding in the City No. 53- Ancient Watercourse, 2007 Photograph 46 1/2 x 59 inches h: 118 x w: 150 cm Liu Bolin, Hiding in the City No. 31- Holding Democratic Elections By Law, 2006 Photograph 59 x 45 5/8 inches h: 150 x w: 115.9 cm Liu Bolin, Hiding in the City No. 15- Beijing New Art Project, 2006 Photograph 59 x 47 5/8 inches h: 150 x w: 121 cm Liu Bolin, Hiding in the City No. 34- Red in the East, 2006 Photograph 47 5/8 x 59 inches h: 121 x w: 150 cm Liu Bolin, Hiding in the City No. 85, 2009 Photograph 47 1/4 x 47 1/4 inches h: 120 x w: 120 cm

Update on Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 12:55AM by Registered Commenteritchy i

I have just discovered his more recent work. Liu has taken on the world now and created even more stunning images outside of China. Although less political - these are jawdroppingly beautiful.

Liu Bolin, Royal Box at Teatro alla Scala, 2010 Photograph 47 1/4 x 47 1/4 inches h: 120 x w: 120 cm

Liu Bolin, Lagoon City of Venice, 2010 Photograph 47 1/4 x 47 1/4 inches h: 120 x w: 120 cm Liu Bolin, Duomo di Milano, 2010 Photograph 47 1/4 x 47 1/4 inches h: 120 x w: 120 cm Liu Bolin, Milan World Expo of 2015, 2010 Photograph 47 1/4 x 47 1/4 inches h: 120 x w: 120 cm

Liu Bolin, Ponte di Rialto, 2010 Photograph 47 1/4 x 47 1/4 inches h: 120 x w: 120 cm

Liu Bolin, Teatro alla Scala, 2010 Photograph 37 3/8 x 47 1/4 inches h: 95 x w: 120 cm

Liu Bolin, Hiding in the City No. 83, 2009 Photograph 35 3/8 x 35 3/8 inches h: 90 x w: 90 cm

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