Photo: Desiree Palmen
Photo: Desiree Palmen
Photo: Desiree Palmen
Photo: Desiree Palmen
Photo: Desiree Palmen
Photo: Desiree Palmen
Photo: Liu Bolin
Photo: Liu Bolin
Photo: Liu Bolin
When people are asked what superpower they would opt for given the choice, it's alarming how many go for invisibility. Then, you could go wherever you want and do whatever you want, within reason, of course.
Part of the street surveillance camera project, Streetwise
You want first class to Sydney? No worries, just rock on up to the best empty seats on the jumbo, and enjoy. Although, you’d have to use your powers for good, too, so karma wouldn’t bite you in the butt. That said it’s probably not the first thing camouflage artists think of when they decide to paint people to blend in with their surroundings.
Desiree Palmen is one such artist. Over a number of years, Dutch born Desiree has photographed various projects throughout Europe. Here are just a few of her images, modeled by friends.
These images were part of Desiree's Camouflage project
Another artist specializing in camouflage is Liu Bolin, from China. His stance is slightly different than Desiree’s, but the result is similar.
Liu says: "Chameleon has the unique property of changing hues to match the color of the surroundings for self-protection. Rattlesnake can bury most of the body in sand soil. This can not only protect itself but also have a better access to food."
"There are also many animals, such as gecko, beetle etc., which have learnt to deal with the environment and the enemy in the longtime fight of life and death. In order to survive, good concealment has become the most critical factor."
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42 comments
larry (not verified) says:
Dec 5th, 2008 at 5am
All were pretty interesting, but the only really good one was the bookshelf.
oliver sachs (not verified) says:
Dec 5th, 2008 at 2pm
some of those are great!
The one with the bookshelf, i cant even make out the head.
http://testingthetesters.blogspot.com/
Jimmy (not verified) says:
Dec 5th, 2008 at 2pm
Those are just awsome! the bookstand one is spectacular. Brilliant work!!!
Chris (not verified) says:
Dec 5th, 2008 at 3pm
very cool indeed! The picture with the bookshelf is my favourite
Jackie Wright (not verified) says:
Dec 5th, 2008 at 3pm
Wow, that is pretty amazing isnt it! Cool stuff!
jess
www.privacy.de.tc
DPM (not verified) says:
Dec 5th, 2008 at 4pm
Good stuff, but the bookshelf is definately photoshopped to remove the upper body.
rkms (not verified) says:
Dec 5th, 2008 at 5pm
Wow. Really awesome. It must have taken hours of hard work to paint the individuals in this manner.
http://linuxandfriends.com
Caleb (not verified) says:
Dec 5th, 2008 at 9pm
THe bookshelf has to be photoshopped. If it is not, please tell me how that is possible
Hekko (not verified) says:
Dec 6th, 2008 at 1am
hahaha that fantastic !! ;-)))
greetings
http://hekko.eu
Pelapapas (not verified) says:
Dec 7th, 2008 at 12am
Really cool stuff!
Thanks!
http://www.pelapapas.com.mx
A.E. Sabo (not verified) says:
Dec 7th, 2008 at 1am
Brilliant work!
Reminds me of the street chalk artists in New York who scribbled uncovered manholes and various other sidewalk pitfalls, only to laugh as unsuspecting pedestrians made great efforts to avoid a fall. Some guys are tall on talent and dangerous with spare time...
A.E.
www.aesabo.com
JoBeDream (not verified) says:
Dec 7th, 2008 at 7am
I agree, the bookshelf one is by far the best!
Cheryl Janis (not verified) says:
Dec 8th, 2008 at 6pm
Thanks for this post. The deeper meaning of both artist's work is inspiring and I'll make sure to share it with my readers on PlanetPinknGreen (dotcom) - a blog and online lifestyle magazines focused on the Cultural Creative Movement from the female perspective. --Cheers! Cheryl Janis, Editor-in-Chief, http://www.planetpinkngreen.com
FJ (not verified) says:
Dec 10th, 2008 at 2am
Very creative and thought provoking. Can we really be invisible?
Tim (not verified) says:
Dec 10th, 2008 at 12pm
For those of you saying the bookshelf is photoshoped I can see the outline up to the person’s shoulders and then curve round. This means that the person has ducked there head down (so you can’t see it) So don’t call art photoshoped unless you’re actually going to look at it...
Jay (not verified) says:
Dec 10th, 2008 at 10pm
IS there anything "Photoshop" Can not do these days Wow!!!!!!
Elizabeth Hattons (not verified) says:
Dec 11th, 2008 at 11pm
That is just absolutely amazing!!!!! I love painting and drawing and I don't make many sculptures, but like after this I'll totally like try it out!
zap (not verified) says:
Dec 12th, 2008 at 7pm
If you look at the 2nd shelf down from the top of the bookcase in the center, there is a red book. Just to the left of that you can see the back of someones head and the collar. The books on this ghillie suit are not painted on like the rest of the outfits but actual bindings (or mocks of)books to give that extra 3D look.
Very clever and of course if he ever had to knock someone off in a library - he's all set!
utopianfragments (not verified) says:
Dec 13th, 2008 at 11am
beautiful art work, some are really amazing.
though i think i might have want some other superpowers.
great ideas
Travelwriter (not verified) says:
Dec 17th, 2008 at 3am
Great ideas! Especially that one with the bookshelf!
ali (not verified) says:
Dec 22nd, 2008 at 11pm
interesting,I think I`m the one crossing the street.
Joey (not verified) says:
Jan 21st, 2009 at 3pm
Oh, that street photo is wonderful. That's right, genius, stand in the middle of a street while being invisible to every damn driver heading your way. After all, every self-respecting artist should die young.
Fergus (not verified) says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 12pm
Wow fantastic work.The bookshelf one in particular is brilliant.Must be hours of work.
SGH_V (not verified) says:
Aug 14th, 2009 at 8am
This is b......t man! u can see by far that those are fake that person is dressed in well camouflaged clothes, is not invisible.........
medyum (not verified) says:
Aug 27th, 2009 at 11am
Oh, that street photo is wonderful. That’s right, genius, stand in the middle of a street while being invisible to every damn driver heading your way. After all, every self-respecting artist should die young.
ankara parke (not verified) says:
Dec 22nd, 2009 at 4pm
Oh, that street photo is wonderful. That’s right, genius, stand in the middle of a street while being invisible to every damn driver heading your way. After all, every self-respecting artist should die young.
MLDina (not verified) says:
I love those pictures! I'm a big fan of art, mostly photos and paintings. I've never seen this concept before, though. I may have to snag a few prints. Thanks for sharing!