Liu Bolin, the Invisible Man

Liu Bolin, a 36 years old Beijing-based artist, is know as the “invisible man” due to his ability to use his own body as an art material. Liu paints on himself, appearing to blend in with the backdrop. A perfectionist who doesn't use photo tricks or "photoshopping", he often works on a single photograph for up to 10 hours, shocking many passers-by when he finally moves. Bolin said his inspiration came 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," Mr Bolin told the UK's Telegraph. "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. Mr Liu says his work is also a protest against the government, who shut down his art studio in 2005.

(Thanks Raghu for sending these astounding pix!)