Galerie du Monde Tomorrow to Apr 30 Of the group of artists featured in this new exhibition at Galerie du Monde, Liu Bolin is probably the best known. Dubbed the 'invisible man', the Shandong-born, Beijing-based artist has camouflaged himself against different city locations across China and Britain. Walls, fences, flags and even a bulldozer are just some of the backgrounds he has blended himself into, by painting over himself to match what's behind him. Liu says his inspiration comes from feeling like a social outcast. '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,' he was quoted as saying by the British press last year. '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.' His works (such as Hiding in the City - American National Flag, left) include prints and sculptures and have been exhibited in Asia, the US and Europe. Also on show in Spring Showcase, which opens tomorrow, are works by Liao Zhenwu, Wang Lang and Fuzi, which, according to gallery managing director Fred Scholle, provide a subtle and often whimsical interpretation of social changes in modern China. 'We decided to feature some artists who are new to us, that we feel are quite exciting and have a great future,' Scholle says. 'Liao Zhenwu, who I think is absolutely fantastic, will go places. 'His work has already been shown in Miami and he now has a series of shows scheduled in museums in Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen, and then he will have another exhibition in the US later this year.' Liao studied fine arts at the Education Institute of Sichuan; he now lives in Beijing where he teaches oil painting at the Central Academy of Fine Art. His works are mainly in black and white, which some critics believe reflects the greyness of urban life. Wang is on the cutting edge of digital photography, Scholle says. 'He is really quite special in that he uses very strange little imageries to construct all his photographs.' Fuzi's oil-on-canvas works look more like traditional Chinese ink paintings. Scholle says the market for Chinese contemporary art is back to where it should be after the bursting of the bubble about two years ago. But Scholle thinks there are still many artists who are extremely talented and have a lot to say. 'And those emerging artists will become collectable and the people will come back. Serious collectors can now get back to buying works by young artists who have good potential. 'They can start collecting not only with the idea that these guys are good - therefore: we might collect them and their work might appreciate - but that their works are really enjoyable to look at and live with.' 108 Ruttonjee Centre, 11 Duddell Street, Central. Opening hours: Mon-Sat, 10am to 7pm. Inquiries: 2525 0529
