Amazing Invisible Man thrills optical experts

Invisible Man Bolin sitting in a theater seat

While a number of high-tech firms in the UK and the United States—including the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)—have been working feverishly on creating invisibility devices and have had some success, a real invisibility expert has been stunning optical experts for several years.

His name is Liu Bolin and he achieves his incredible transparency through a clever combination of expert camouflage and the ability to massage the principals of optical illusions. In essence he fools the eyes of an observer and tricks the brain.

It’s certainly no exaggeration to say he becomes absorbed in his work.

The amazing transparent man standing in front of grocery shelves

Although not totally invisible, he does blend into any background so well he actually seems to become a part of it. Many people do not notice his image in a photo unless they know it’s there.

Physically, some of his exploits result in people walking right past him and not detecting the brilliant artist unless he’s splashed on too much after shave that morning.

Standing by a bulldozer

The human chameleon paints himself into transparency literally becoming part of the background—and some of the backgrounds he works with are amazing ranging from earthquake rubble and ornate spiral staircases to the famous Great Wall of China.

Asked how he arrives at his inspirations, Bolin answered that he has always felt like a social outcast. The world seemed to pass him by as though he were invisible. Therefore, to call attention to himself, why not become invisible?

The American flag transparent man

“Some people call me the invisible man, but for me it’s what is not seen in a picture which is really what tells the story,” Bolin told the UK’s Telegraph.

“I experienced the dark side of society, without social relations, and had a feeling that no one cared about me, I felt myself unnecessary in this world.”

Say “Cheese”

During the interview, Bolin also explained that his work has taken on a new importance as a protest against the Chinese government. Officials in Beijing ordered his art studio closed in 2005.

People are continuously amazed at exhibitions of his work when they spot his almost transparent figure standing in front of objects like bulldozers, flags, buildings and signs. It appears the background can be seen through his body.

Taking in the Great Wall of China

His works have been shown in China, Paris and New York. The New York exhibition, attended by amazed optical experts, caused quite a stir and escalated Bolin’s growing stature in the global art community.

Other backdrops he’s chosen to become invisible with are phone boxes, mosaic walls and cannons.

Because of his ongoing protests against the authorities in China, some worry the government might attempt to crack down on Bolin.

Of course if they decide to make a move on him they’ll have to find him first.

Catching the Invisibe Man won’t be this easy

Original Helium article.

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