Cosplay helps students appreciate art masters

Reenactments of some of the world's most famous paintings, from Girl with a Pearl Earring by Dutch master Johannes Vermeer to a self-portrait by Vincent Van Gogh, recently went viral on social media.

Students from Erlian Primary School in Shanghai's Yangpu district, imitate the paintings through cosplay and striking poses similar to the subjects.

Sometimes, the objects and subjects depicted in the paintings are replaced with whatever is available. In one instance, a fly swatter becomes a violin, while young siblings and pets are used as substitutes in other reenactments.

Photos of the reenactments are on display at the school.

The school believes that recreating the paintings helps give children a deeper appreciation of fine art.

"We hope children experience the beauty of such famous paintings in a more playful way, and through the whole process－from selecting a masterpiece to imitating it, preparing costumes and hairstyles and copying facial expressions－they have a better understanding and appreciation of classic and renowned art," said Chang Jie, a teacher at the school.

While art competitions help some children display their skills, the reenactments aim to involve all children in art appreciation, the school said.

First-grader Zhang Jiayue said she looked at more than 100 famous Chinese and Western paintings before deciding to imitate Lady with an Ermine by Italian Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci.

"I have a pet at home which is exactly the same as the one in the oil painting, and I love the idea of humans and animals living in harmony," Zhang said.

The 7-year-old said she carefully observed the facial expression of the woman in the painting and studied the history and culture of European nobility and their pet ermines, a type of weasel whose fur is often used in royal robes and cloaks.

"Like the lady in the painting, I also love and take care of my ermine every day. I hope people can protect all animals and nature," she said.

Fifth-grader Zhang Chen said he read a geat deal about Mexican artist Frida Kahlo's life experiences, following her ups and downs, before imitating one of her self-portraits. Kahlo, who was debilitated by a bus accident, painted many self-portraits with vivid colors in a naive style.

"My understanding of the self-portrait (of Kahlo) is that life is usually not easy, but there is always hope and beauty if we proceed with determination and calmness," he said.

Many netizens applauded the use of cosplay in school art education, saying it helped all children participate to better understand what constitutes a masterpiece.