OperARtistry: An AR-based Interactive Application to Assist the Learning of Chinese Traditional Opera (Xiqu) Makeup

Abstract

Chinese Traditional Opera (Xiqu) is an important type of intangible cultural heritage and one key characteristic of Xiqu is its visual effects on face achieved via makeup. However, Xiqu makeup process, especially the eye-area makeup process, is complex and time-consuming, which poses a learning challenge for potential younger inheritors. We introduce OperARtistry, an interactive application based on Augmented Reality (AR) that offers in-situ Xiqu makeup guidance for beginners. Our application provides a step-by-step guide for Xiqu eye-area makeup, incorporating AR effects at each stage. Furthermore, we conducted an initial user study (n=6) to compare our approach with existing video-based tutorials to assess the effectiveness and usefulness of our approach. Our findings show that OperARtisty helped participants achieve high-quality eye-area makeup effects with less learning time.