Perfecting the art of maskmaking

RIO DE JANEIRO: Jorge Roriz (65) used to create the magical world of Rio de Janeiro's Carnival with its colourful costumes and fantastic floats.

Now, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, he is using his art to make masks that look as real as possible.

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.

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

The masks have become popular with people who do not want to hide their face but are keen to protect themselves against the virus.

``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.'' — Reuters

PHOTO: REUTERS Wescley Menezes receives help from plastic artist Jorge Silva Roriz to adjust his customised protective mask, in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday.