‘Invisible’ yet powerful: Singapore’s evolution, humanity seen through camouflaged art
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SINGAPORE – In a first for Singapore’s art scene, world renowned Chinese multidisciplinary artist Liu Bolin staged “disappearing acts” at two national monuments involving 68 participants, including himself.
Using painted-on camouflage to blend into the backdrops of his photographs, the 52-year-old artist orchestrated the acts on Jan 17 and Jan 18 on the steps of the former City Hall, now home to National Gallery Singapore.
Liu, who is also known as The Invisible Man, extended his artistry to The Clifford Pier, located within The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, on Jan 19.
The living masterpieces at the two monuments created a powerful metaphor for Singapore’s journey from a colonial port to a global metropolis. They also offered a broader commentary on themes of invisibility, identity, and the individual’s role within a collective society.
Liu staged solo performances here in October 2024, mesmerising audiences when he “disappeared” into the backdrops of the Merlion Park and Chinatown Complex Hawker Centre during the 9th Singapore International Photography Festival.
These performances inspired the concept of his latest series of works, which included the recent acts in Singapore.
“I had numerous close interactions with the locals (in 2024), and experienced the unique multicultural vibes in Singapore. Although Singapore is quite similar to many cosmopolitan cities like New York, Paris, Hong Kong and London, it has far less social issues in comparison,” Liu told The Straits Times.
“Here, people of different religions, colour, language and culture can live harmoniously together. It inspired me to create a new series of work titled We Are The World and invite people from different countries, cultures and religious faiths to be part of it.”
Liu wants to use his art to contemplate issues of humanity: Can people of different faiths, languages and cultures live together in harmony?
“Many religions talk about loving the world. My understanding is: We are all part of a bigger body, you are a part of me, and I am also part of you. We should end war and genocides, and Singapore can be an example in addressing current world affairs, and serve as a beacon of hope and new way of living for the future generations,” he said.
The final artwork from the event at the City Hall steps is made up of composited photos taken of 60 participants – including Liu – over two days.
Among the participants were Singapore permanent resident Nicolas Delsalle-Mun, 45, secretary-general of the Little Prince Foundation, a global charitable non-profit organisation, and his Singaporean wife. He said: “My wife loves Liu Bolin. We love his art, so we really want to participate because it is a unique experience.”
The final artwork from the event at the City Hall steps is made up of composited photos taken of 60 participants over two days.
PHOTO: LIU BOLIN STUDIO
Singaporean Diamond Nabilah Misson, 21, was hired as one of the lead painters for the events and also for Liu’s performances in 2024.
“I had so much fun doing it. He and his team always tell me that I am able to do anything and reassure me that as an artist, I should also be confident in myself and in the work that I eventually do.”
As a second-time painter, she “wanted to motivate and encourage the other artists to have confidence in themselves... reminding them that we are creating a work together and not just (following Liu’s) vision”.
At The Clifford Pier, the disappearing act involved eight participants – former boatmen of the pier, representatives from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), staff from CKL Motorboat, Arts Nominated MP Usha Chandradas and her husband Adrian Ang.
Liu directed the shoot and personally painted some of the participants.
Chinese multidisciplinary artist Liu Bolin (in black top) painting on participants’ outfits at The Clifford Pier on Jan 19.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
The oldest participant was Mr Goh Chwee Leng, a 75-year-old operations manager at Singapore Island Cruise & Ferry Services. He worked at Clifford Pier as a boatman from 1975 to 2006.
“I used a small boat to transfer the workers from Clifford Pier to the ship in the anchorage to unload and load the cargo.’
A first-time participant in an art event, Mr Goh said: ‘I am very happy to join the event, and it is not tiring. It is fun… and I hope I can take part next time.’
Liu showing former boatman Goh Chwee Leng a photo taken of him during the art creation at The Clifford Pier on Jan 19.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Ms Chandradas and her husband used to work in the vicinity as trainee lawyers. “We remember the old Clifford Pier, and it is a place where we used to hang out when we were much younger. So to be able to come back here and do something like this has a little bit of sentimental value as well.”
Captain Henry Sng, 41, deputy port master and deputy director of vessel traffic management at MPA, considered it a unique opportunity.
“I really enjoyed the unique experience of being part of the art creation at the Clifford Pier, and more importantly, to show support for Singapore’s rich maritime heritage,” he said.
(From left) Captain Henry Sng, deputy port master and deputy director of vessel traffic management at MPA; Mr Gerry Deluna Santelices, a technician from CKL Motorboat; and Ms Sally Wong, a personal assistant at MPA, applying Vaseline on their faces. It acts as a barrier to protect the skin, allowing paint to be applied more evenly and making the removal of the paint easier.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Liu gained international recognition for his photographic self-portraits, where he vanished into meticulously chosen settings – from the Great Wall of China to the Colosseum in Rome – through intricate hand-painted camouflage.
He has made himself a canvas in more than 20 countries around the world over the last two decades.
Liu (centre) directing the photography session at Clifford Pier.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
In Singapore, the unprecedented display of community art was organised by arts charity organisation Deck, in collaboration with Liu Bolin Studio.
It united Singaporeans from all walks of life – from former harbour boatmen to young professionals – ranging from six to 75 years old. There were also visitors who travelled to Singapore specially for the events.
A total of 29 painters and three people managers worked with Liu on the project.
At Clifford Pier, the “disappearing” act involved eight participants – former boatmen of the pier, representatives from MPA, staff from CKL Motorboat, Arts Nominated MP Usha Chandradas (right) and her husband Adrian Ang (second from right).
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Deck’s co-founder and director Gwen Lee said: “For such an extensive public art creation, we are indeed very excited and nervous at the same time. It is a challenge to find a place in Singapore that is accessible for such nature of arts creation and mass public participation, and also at the same time... resonates with people of all walks of life.”
The project, supported by cultural partners – The Fullerton Hotel Singapore and The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore – as well as venue supporter National Gallery Singapore, marks a highlight of Singapore Art Week 2025.
It culminates in a public exhibition at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore’s East Garden Gallery, featuring the new photographic artworks alongside Liu’s latest sculpture. Titled We Are Together, this new sculpture draws inspiration from reflections on the relationship between humanity and technology.
Liu (in black top) celebrating with participants at the end of the photography session at Clifford Pier.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
The exhibition runs from Jan 22 to Feb 9 and is open daily from 10am to 10pm. Admission is free.
Lim Yaohui is an executive photojournalist at The Straits Times. After earning a life sciences degree from NUS, he worked as a horticulturist at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, driven by his passion for nature.
