Liu Bolin, The Invisible Man

There are many ways to protest, as many as there are reasons to do it for. This has been a particularly hot topic in the wake of the recent riots in London, where scattered amongst deplorable and arguably self-defeating acts of violence and vandalism, one consistent sentiment was beamed out of the city via the international press: we are now visible. For many, feeling invisible is among the worst of the spectrum of human emotions, and probably for the volume of negative emotions it incorporates: powerlessness, worthlessness, disenfranchisement, and so on. Considering the amount of destruction and violence that has taken place – not exclusive to the recent events in the UK – for the sake of feeling visible, why would anyone chose then, of their own accord, to become invisible?

One part magic eye puzzle, one part Where’s Waldo (albeit somewhat easier but with a darker background story), Chinese Artist Liu Bolin’s Hiding in the City series only needs to be seen quickly before the viewer will understand why he’s called “The Invisible Man”. The series started in 2005, when the Chinese government ordered the demolition of Beijing International Art Camp (BIAC), also known as Suojiacun Artists’ Village, which housed several studios, including Liu Bolin’s. In response, Curator Zhang Zhaohui organized the exhibition Demolish! Demolish! Demolish!. For his contribution, Liu Bolin painted himself to camouflage with the rubble of the building. That’s right, these images are not the product of Photoshop or any other form of photographic manipulation; they are the artist hand painted into the scene.

Liu Bolin maintains that his art is a protest against the actions of the Chinese government, who is known for censoring their artists. In a way it is very literal; the government tells you, more or less, to become invisible and you become, more or less, invisible. In another way, it is not so straightforward. In the family tree of protest strategies, his methods may be most closely related to the sit-in, but the visual pun of taking away his own voice hollers as loud as a rally.

Check out Liu Bolin at Fotografiska in Stockholm until September 11^th. If you’re looking for somewhere to disappear into in the city, White Line Hotels Stockholm edit Nobis Hotel, Hotel J, and Hotel Skeppsholmen provide all the backdrops you need.

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Photos www.fotografiska.eu

Work in Progress Photos: www.spiegel.de

Three Works by Hans-Peter Feldmann, or a Feldmann Triptych to Collecting?

As much as I love an exhibition title that expands on a thought, or gives a further piece of information to unlock hidden secrets in the work, there’s also something to be said for a more direct, no-frills approach. Tres Obres de Hans-Peter Feldmann (Three Works by Hans-Peter Feldmann) is one such title, but is the directness somewhat deceiving? Trios and trilogies, after all, have long held a mythic or holy position in society (the three graces, The Father, The Son and the Holy Ghost, the original Star Wars trilogy). Or, could it be that the exhibition really is just three works by Hans-Peter Feldmann, without the weight of meaning of three, the magic number?

Feldmann’s practice is generally built on collecting, ordering, and re-presenting. These three works, whether you see them singularly or as a collection among themselves, are no exception to that generality. To start with the triptych within the trio, Seated women in paintings uses the classic triptych form, but resembles more the pin-board of an obsessive than the usual alter pieces for which the form is usually reserved – once again, a case of threes falling in the realm of the holy and mythical. It begs the question, however, if collecting raises its objects to the status of the holy. If you’ve ever known an avid collector, or spent enough time on Ebay, that question might be easier to answer.

Rounding out the trio of works in the exhibition are Bookshelves, a large scale 5-panel photograph of the artists’ own bookshelves, and Amateur photos held by hand, a series of 28 photographs of the artist holding pieces of his collection of found photographs. Here our pleasure as the viewer is not in appreciating the collection, but in the peering into the life and mind of who collected it; they serve as two voyeuristic side-panels to the centerpiece of Seated women in paintings in a greater triptych alter piece to collecting itself.

The exhibition is running at Barcelona’s Projecte SD until the 10th of September. While you’re collecting memories, and maybe some souvenirs, be sure to check out White Line Hotels edit Hotel Omm. More than just a name, here you’ll have all peace to you need to meditate on life’s greater questions, or just chill out by the rooftop pool.

Photos: www.projectesd.com

Melting Pot of Movement

One of the best things about the Americas is the incredible layering of cultures brought about, of course, from not always the finest moments of the history of the last 500 or so years. You could say it’s like making lemonade from historical lemons, but most just call it the melting pot.

Every country or region of the Americas has its unique mix, but the the combination of Portuguese, African and native influences found in Brazil gave rise to a particular melting pot of movement famous the world over: Capoeira. Thousands of foreign students travel to Brazil every year to master the martial art, but if you prefer your movement with a little Hungarian twist, why not try the Forró, the Northeastern Brazilian dance fueled by songs about love and romance, passion, jealousy, or reminiscing about an ex-lover.

For a total experience of Brazilian Bliss, learn them both while taking relaxing breaks on a perfect beach in Trancoso or just chilling out at your own private “Casa” at Uxua Casa Hotel, White Line Hotels’ insider tip.

photos: Capoeira on the Beach and The Forro

Skiathos Summer Reading

If even at this point in the season a summer holiday is remaining unbooked, let us remind you: there is no time like the present to embrace spontaneity! Particularly if you’re a lover of literature, might we suggest a chance to really immerse in local culture and history by picking up a book by Alexandros Papadiamantis and heading to his home island of Skiathos, which always features prominently in his work.

Renowned as the inventor of modern Greek fiction, and certainly ahead of his times in many respects, you won’t call Papadiamantis light summer reading, but the insight and connection to the island is worth a stack of lighter works. Try picking up Tales from a Greek Island if you’re a short story fan, or maybe The Murderess for a pre-feminist tale of crime and punishment that explores of the state of existing as a woman.

If you’re really moved to keep exploring Skiathos through Papadiamantis’ eyes, his house is now a museum open to the public. For a beautiful place to loose yourself in a book, and a perfect base to explore the island from, luxuriate in your private hideaway at White Line Hotels edit Aegean Suites Hotel.

photos: Papadiamantis as photographed by fellow Greek writer Pavlos Nirvanas in 1906 and Papadiamantis House Museum

Fashion Night Out

If you’re in Copenhagen this evening — Friday August 5th — there’s only one place to be, and that’s Fashion Night Out. No invitations for Fashion Week? No problem. Get a taste of the VIP treatment as many of Copenhagen’s stores open their doors for sneak peaks of the upcoming collections accompanied by free drinks, fashion shows with popular DJs, special offers and goodie bags. After 6pm the party really starts as Kronprinsensgade, the epicentre of Copenhagen’s fashion area, turns into one big street-garden party.

Whether you’re an industry insider, or just love your clothes, round out your Copenhagen Fashion Week at White Line Hotels edit Avenue Hotel. Their fashion week pop up restaurant Avenue Kitchen will keep you going and Avenue Fashion High Tea is sure to be a welcome relaxation.