Internationally renowned artist Liu Bolin transforms iconic landmarks in Abruzzo into works of contemporary art. Discover the stages of this project that blends photography, performance, and the local area.
In the year thatL’Aquila is named the Italian Capital of Culture 2026, the line between reality and representation becomes blurred. Among the major highlights of the official program is Liu Bolin, the Chinese artist known worldwide as “the invisible man.”
With his new art project “Beyond the Visible, ” presented by Audentes Consulting in collaboration with the Gaburro Gallery, Bolin will bring his extraordinary camouflage technique to the heart of Abruzzo, celebrating the identity and rebirth of this unique region.
Who Is Liu Bolin, “The Invisible Man”
Known for his spectacular body-painting performances, Liu Bolin doesn’t just take photographs—he becomes part of the image. Through a meticulous process of painting his body and clothes, the artist blends completely with his surroundings until he almost disappears entirely.
In L’Aquila, this practice will take on a profound meaning: an invitation to look more closely, to discover what lies “beyond the visible,” and to reflect on the connection between humankind and our historical and natural heritage.
Three iconic photographs of three treasures of Abruzzo
The “Beyond the Visible” project will consist of three public performances—highlights during which residents and visitors will be able to witness the artist’s creative process firsthand. These previously unpublished photographs will capture Liu Bolin blending into the background at three sites of inestimable value:
- The Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio: a universal symbol of L’Aquila and Celestine’s forgiveness.
- Rocca Calascio: one of the most picturesque and frequently photographed fortresses in the world, nestled in the Gran Sasso mountains.
- The Ancient Forests of the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park: a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of our region’s wild and unspoiled nature.
The Exhibition: July–September 2026
The result of these performances will be a limited series of striking photographic works. The images will be on display in L’Aquila in a dedicated exhibition from July through September 2026, in an exceptional exhibition space selected in collaboration with the municipal administration.
“Today, L’Aquila is a revitalized city that has transformed crisis into rebirth,” commented Mayor Pierluigi Biondi. The presence of a global artist like Liu Bolin confirms the city’s role as an international creative hub, capable of fostering a dialogue between historical memory and the most innovative languages of contemporary art.