February 20, 2015

ART: Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - The Disappearing Activist

 Liu Bolin (刘勃麟)
Web  -  Agent  -  Artbook

   Probably the most famous contemporary artist today, Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) has captured the world's attention with his Invisible Man photographs. His extremely clever & original selfies began as silent protests against China's ever increasing socioeconomic issues.

   Since coming to the international stage he has looked beyond China to global consumerism, a Hiding In The City tour of several famous metropolises, vanishing major fashion designers & doing the cover of a Bon Jovi album.

   Bolin's art has been assimilated & repurposed as a commercial novelty. Perhaps this the destiny of all art, as it eventually becomes separated from its original meaning or intent.
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
Silent subversion 
Becomes covert collusion
When your art's consumed
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
   I don't want to sound like the hipster music fans who immediately cry, sell out when their favorite indie band finally becomes financially viable. When artists become successful, their lives change, so their messages, priorities, & influences naturally shift as well. Cash removes everything around them 

  As you view Bolin's images below, how do you feel about the scope of his subject matter? 

   "My first work, created in November 2005, was at Beijing International Art Camp where I worked before the government forcibly demolished it. I used the work to express my objection."
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
   "By making myself invisible, I try to question the inter-canceling relationship between our civilization and its development."
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
   "An artist's attitude is the most important element."
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
   "If an artwork is to touch someone, it must be the result of not only technique, but also the artist's thinking and struggle in life." 
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
   "The repeated struggles in life create artwork, no matter in what form."
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
Bon Jovi - What About Now
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
 Hardcover Artbook - 224 pg
   His Invisible Man photos get all the media attention, but Bolin also does amazing sculptures & realistic paintings.
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
Liu Bolin (刘勃麟) - http://www.liubolinart.com/
 Deluxe Edition Hardcover Artbook 
   - 224 pg limited ed w/ signed print
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
Please consider donating to support this blog
あなたがブログを楽しむ場合はを寄付してください
_______________________________________