Now you see me

Chinese artist Liu Bolin's first book reveals his unique talent for blending in

Where is Liu Bolin? At the Great Wall of China, by the Rialto Bridge in Venice, on the streets of Paris, London or New York, this chameleon-like Chinese artist is an expert at disappearing. He colours himself into the background, with assistants painting him to blend into his surroundings. His first book, out this month, charts his invisible travels: pick him out among the pineapples in Venezuela, spot him in the red velvet seats of La Scala in Milan, find him hiding in Colombia's Gold Museum. Last year he camouflaged himself on stage at a packed TED talk in California. It isn't just a game, but a sharp commentary on the individual's invisibility in society, political systems and mass consumer culture - a meaning that Bolin hopes will be revealed to his audience just like the artist himself. 'Liu Bolin' (Abrams, £40) is published on 1 November 2014. See www.kleinsungallery.com for more.

This feature was first published in Condé Nast Traveller November 2014