Sometimes it's easy to overlook people, especially if those people are "different" in some way. It's easy to ignore, dismiss, or forget the fact that just like you, they're human beings.
Soela Zani, a photographer from Albania, wants you to remember, though.
Much like the photographer who showed the beauty and individuality in babies with Down syndrome, Soela wants to also make people aware that like anyone else, children with Down syndrome are just as deserving of love and praise.
She took a unique approach to her touching project, and used young models with Down syndrome to embody famous paintings from history, filling them with their unique personalities.
The series, called Every Human Is a Piece of Art, shows us that no matter our physical attributes, we're all unique, special humans who leave our own marks on the world.
With the series, she hopes to raise awareness not just for those with Down syndrome, but for all people with special needs, and encourage people to celebrate one another no matter their differences.
(h/t: BoredPanda)
Soela dressed and posed her models to recreate figures from famous paintings.
In the photo above, a young woman named Eta poses as Kol Idromeno's Sister Tone.
She uses paintings showing children in a variety of activities, and selects her models for their similarities to the figures in the paintings.
Of course, Soela puts her own modern, personalized twists on them.
Above, Joshua Reynolds' The Infant Samuel is played by a young girl named Lela.
The costumes from the historical paintings are copied surprisingly faithfully, and give the photos a timeless quality.
The children, though, lend their own personalities to the photos and make them their own — just like Vanesa here.
We have to say, it's hard not to be jealous of Belkisa's costume for her role from Diego Velázquez's Las Meninas, and it's also a testament to Soela's dedication to this series.
Fun fact: in the 18th century, little boys spent their early childhood years in dresses, so the original painting above actually depicts John Heathcoate.
In Soela's modern recreation, he's played by Vanesa.
There's no denying that Emilijano, posing as a boy with his rabbit, has some definite opinions about what's happening here!
But the difference between Emilijano's expression and the paintings make the photo all the more unique.
Sometimes, Soela chooses to digitally insert the original background into her photos, which gives them a surreal look. In others, she builds a small set.
And sometimes, some furry friends join in the photo shoots, too!
Of course, cats are famously not as calm about posing for photos.
Still, Irma, on the right, nails her impersonation of Julie Manet from this Renoir painting above.
Other times, a favorite toy stands in.
And we have to say, Iris, on the right, does bear a striking resemblance to Gabrielle Arnault, the subject of the original painting on the left!
Here, Soela poses Irma as one of Degas' famous ballerinas.
She demonstrates that, when looking into the eyes of a real young woman full of life and confidence, our traditional ideas of beauty and grace don't mean as much as you might think.
In all, Soela's series shows us that all humans are valuable, and have something to offer the world.
You can see more of this series, Every Human Is a Piece of Art, on her Facebook page, where you can also see some of her other photography work.
And to spread the word about valuing all people, please SHARE this touching series!
