Something fantastical is occurring in the art world. As ‘realistic’ as they may look, these incredible paintings are simply part of a new exhibition of four dimensional art in North East China.

The collection of paintings, on display at a contemporary art exhibition in the Jilin province in China, uses techniques similar to the ‘stand-up’ advertising hoardings that are sometimes painted on the edges of sports pitches.

With cunning use of shadow they trick the eye into believing that the images are leaping off the canvas, that arrows are firing towards the viewers gaze from the bows of cherubs, or that Pinocchio’s nose is protruding wildly from the frame.

The pieces are a huge hit with spectators who have already shown a talent for interacting with the works to become part of the art themselves.

These photographs show how creative fans have snapped themselves holding the end of Van Gogh’s paintbrush or shouldering the train of a portrait’s flowing dress.

China’s artistic community is currently a focal point for the world.

It’s most prominent artist the acclaimed Ai WeiWei, 53, has not been heard from since he was detained by Chinese authorities at Beijing airport on April 3, for ‘economic crimes’ – an event which has prompted strong international criticism. But there is hope that freedom of expression will gain a stronger foothold in China as the country enjoys an incredible surge in the popularity of art.

According to a report from the European Fine Art Fair (Tefaf), which opened yesterday in the Netherlands, China overtook Britain as the world’s second biggest market for art and antiques in 2010.

Back in 2006, China had just a six per cent share of the market and the UK bought as much as 27 per cent. But last year China raked in 23 per cent of the world’s art, one per cent more than Brits brought home.

The world art market hit a peak of €48 billion in 2007 and had been declining since then, dropping by around 33 per cent to €28 billion in 2009, the biggest decline since its previous recession in the early 1990s.

But it recovered strongly last year, more than doubling in value to €43 billion.

“This recovery was driven by the US and China, while ­European growth was much more sluggish,” said the Tefaf report.

“The recovery in 2010 was also driven by strong spending by Chinese art buyers as the geographical distribution of wealth continues to shift East.”