Liu Bolin at Galerie Paris-Beijing

Liu Bolin, Hiding in the City, Graffiti III, 2012
© Liu Bolin / Courtesy Galerie Paris-Beijing

ParisArt & Culture

Liu Bolin at Galerie Paris-Beijing

Chinese chameleon's latest exhibition celebrates his best work to date...

They seek him here, they seek him there – Liu Bolin is a celebrated artist, but he’s rarely one to make his presence known. Taking blending into the background to a whole new level, Liu dressed and painted himself to match backgrounds he found interesting, and the results were a set of stunning almost-disappearing acts called Hiding in the City. The least of his work is incredible, and some of the images defy possibility; he disappears like a threatened chameleon in the eyes of the photographer.

Good news then that he’s showed his face long enough to tell us about his second solo show at Galerie Paris-Beijing, featuring his trademark camouflage performances in pictures taken in both those cities and more. This collection debuts some of his latest work, from 2012 onwards, and represents much of his best work to date. It’s hard to pick a favourite among Liu’s meticulously prepared scenes, but since you’re twisting our arm, how about the invisible man in the generic office – a feeling most of us have had at one time or another. Catch him if you can until 9th March.

Liu Bolin at Galerie Paris-Beijing

Liu Bolin, Hiding in the City, Arles, 2007
© Liu Bolin / Courtesy Galerie Paris-Beijing

Liu Bolin at Galerie Paris-Beijing

Liu Bolin, Hiding in the City, Panda, 2012
© Liu Bolin / Courtesy Galerie Paris-Beijing

Liu Bolin at Galerie Paris-Beijing

Liu Bolin, Hiding in the City – Paris, Graffiti, 2011
© Liu Bolin / Courtesy Galerie Paris-Beijing

Liu Bolin at Galerie Paris-Beijing

Liu Bolin, Hiding in the City, Supermarket II, 2010
© Liu Bolin / Courtesy Galerie Paris-Beijing

Liu Bolin at Galerie Paris-Beijing

Liu Bolin, Hiding in the City, Forklifts, 2008
© Liu Bolin / Courtesy Galerie Paris-Beijing

Liu Bolin at Galerie Paris-Beijing

Liu Bolin, Hiding in the City – Paris, Open Space, 2011
© Liu Bolin / Courtesy Galerie Paris-Beijing

Liu Bolin at Galerie Paris-Beijing

Liu Bolin, Hiding in the City – Italy, 2010
© Liu Bolin / Courtesy Galerie Paris-Beijing

Liu Bolin at Galerie Paris-Beijing

Liu Bolin, Hiding in the City, Three Goddesses, 2012
© Liu Bolin / Courtesy Galerie Paris-Beijing

Liu Bolin at Galerie Paris-Beijing

Liu Bolin, Hiding in the City, Bus Stop, 2012
© Liu Bolin / Courtesy Galerie Paris-Beijing