Under that mask is a genius!

| Read time: 3 minute(s)

Trending Art column: Under that mask is a genius! Art World Kinjal Trivedi Under that mask is a genius! Plastic artist Jorge Silva Roriz paints customised protective masks while wearing his own, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease at his home in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Jorge Roriz, 65, used to create the magical world of Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival with its colourful costumes and extravagant floats. The dancers would flaunt their costumes and magnificent styles and walk around the town spreading happy cheers! Now, in the midst of the pandemic, he is using his art to make masks that don’t attempt to disguise or accentuate but to be as real as possible. Roriz paints face masks that are just as the face of the person. As he speaks wearing his mask, his mouth, like that of a ventriloquist, does not appear to move. “I use this mask in order not to lose my identity,” Roriz said. He paints the person’s lower face onto a white mask, taking time over the details like skin hue and lips. The masks have become popular with people who don’t want to hide their face during the pandemic but are keen to protect themselves against the virus. “I’ve had a really positive reaction, people laugh. Something that was meant to be sad became something that brings joy.”

Plastic artist Jorge Silva Roriz paints customised protective masks while wearing his own, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease at his home in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Jorge Roriz, 65, used to create the magical world of Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival with its colourful costumes and extravagant floats. The dancers would flaunt their costumes and magnificent styles and walk around the town spreading happy cheers!

Now, in the midst of the pandemic, he is using his art to make masks that don’t attempt to disguise or accentuate but to be as real as possible.

Roriz paints face masks that are just as the face of the person. As he speaks wearing his mask, his mouth, like that of a ventriloquist, does not appear to move.

“I use this mask in order not to lose my identity,” Roriz said.

He paints the person’s lower face onto a white mask, taking time over the details like skin hue and lips.

The masks have become popular with people who don’t want to hide their face during the pandemic but are keen to protect themselves against the virus.

“I’ve had a really positive reaction, people laugh. Something that was meant to be sad became something that brings joy.”


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