Hidden Art

Art frequently serves as a vehicle to deliver a message or social critique. Some contemporary artists, however, can be overly turgid to the point that derision masks the message. Can one send a profound message in a subtle way? Imagine being a contemporary artist in the People’s Republic of China, under which blatant criticism is neither welcomed nor tolerated. Performance artist, Liu Bolin manages to reproach communist structure as well as the quickly changing and homogenizing urban landscape in an invisible manner. 

This clip is a glimpse at Bolin’s process. 

Bolin feels censored and forced to blend. He does just that; he blends with the people and places around him. In some instances, you can see right through him.  Bolin finds inspiration and identity by being the ultimate chameleon. Where’s Waldo? *

* Ironic reminder: ACR is blocked in the aforementioned republic. 

posted by whitney.