Photos: Brazil artist paints masks for those who want to show their face

Masks have become popular with people who don't want to hide their face

Last updated: November 14, 2020 | 12:07

Reuters and Compiled by Nathaniel Lacsina, Senior Web Editor

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Rio de Janeiro: Jorge Roriz, 65, used to create the magical world of Rio de Janeiro's Carnival with its colorful costumes and fantastic floats.

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

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Roriz paints face masks that are so accurate as to be uncanny. 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.

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

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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.

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"It's vital that people look after themselves, it's good that people use masks," he said. "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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