"Line Created by AI"... Chinese 'Transparent Human' Artist Gains Attention

Creating 'Transparent Photos' with Only Body Painting
"Good Color and Lighting Mixing Is Enough"

Like a chameleon painting 'protective colors' on his clothes to become invisible, a Chinese artist is attracting attention from local netizens.

Hong Kong media outlet South China Morning Post (SCMP) focused on 'Wang Liang,' a painter from Shandong Province in eastern China. Wang Liang is an artist who carries out environmental protection campaigns and has over one million followers. On social media, his nickname is 'Human Chameleon.'

He is famous for creating special effects that make him appear almost invisible by blending into his surroundings. The secret to this effect is chameleon-like protective coloring. He paints his body with colors similar to rivers, stones, and trees, creating the illusion that his body has disappeared.

Body painting by Wang Liang Photo by Douyin

What is the background behind Wang Liang starting chameleon art? He told SCMP, "My work shows the concept of humans living in harmony with nature," adding, "I wanted to advocate for nature conservation through my art."

Wang Liang began studying art at the age of 14. After graduating from art college, he started a mural business, but due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it became difficult to find work. Instead of earning money, Wang Liang became interested in work that could have "social influence." As a result, he ventured into body painting.

He explained his purpose, saying, "Environmental destruction is severe these days. Through body painting, I wanted to express the relationship between humans and nature and show the beauty of the natural world."

Wang Liang is said to have completed about 2,000 body painting artworks over four years from 2020 to the present. [Image source=Douyin]

Wang Liang has already created thousands of works in major cities such as Beijing, Luoyang in central China, and Jinan in the east. His 'chameleon camouflage' often uses famous temples or city landmarks as backgrounds. Wang Liang mixes camouflage colors using common painting tools like acrylic paint and oil brushes, and it usually takes 2 to 3 hours to complete one piece. However, since body painting can be washed away by rain, photos are only taken on sunny days.

Some netizens suspect that Wang Liang achieved 'transparency' using computer graphics (CG) or other techniques. In response to growing doubts, Wang Liang released unedited footage showing the process of painting his body and taking photos. He shared tips, saying, "To become invisible, you just need to choose the right background and colors," and added, "Using colors and lighting appropriately makes it easier to blend into the background and sunlight."