An Albanian photographic artist has teamed up with Down Syndrome Albania to offer a new look at classic portrait art in a beautiful way.  It’s a twist on cosplay and historical costuming and the result is a new exhibition of classic art recreations.  Soela Zani’s images feature children with Down Syndrome posing in elaborate costumes, faithfully recreating the children who posed for the portraits more than a century ago.

Working with Emanuela Zaimi, founder of Down Syndrome Foundation Albania, she spent time with the children in her studio, working with them to perform and pose in their faithfully re-created costumes.  Now the works form a gallery exhibition co-sponsored by the Foundation.

Zani and the Albanian children recreated works from Manet, Renoir, Picasso, Gauguin, Degas, Gainsborough, and others.

Zani graduated from the Academy of Arts in Albania under the direction of Agim Zajmi.  Her work with Down Syndrome Albania began as a project to create postcards to sell for fundraising.

Check out all of these great works at Zani’s website here.

C.J. Bunce
Editor
borg.com