Brazilian artist paints masks for those who want to show their faces

Jorge Roriz, 65 used to create the colourful costume and fantastic floats for the participants in Rio de Janeiro's Carnival.

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After 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.

  Jorge Silva Roriz shows a customized protective mask and a woman's photo on his cell phone. Reuters

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.

 Jorge Silva Roriz paints a customized protective mask while wearing his own. Reuters

He paints the person's lower face on to 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.

 Customized protective masks made by artist Jorge Silva Roriz are displayed. Reuters

"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."