The face is a canvas for Japanese artist Nobumichi Asai. He entitled his 2014 digital art performance Omote (Japanese for “face” or “mask”). In collaboration with makeup artist Hiroto Kuwahara and digital image engineer Paul Lacroix, they put virtual makeup on model Yuka Sekimizu.
Asai and his team used innovative technology like OptiTrack sensors for quick movement response, and they developed their original program C++ to lessen delay as the virtual makeup synchronizes with the subtle shifts of the model’s face.
“Omote” means “face” in Japanese, but also refers to masks used in Nogaku, traditional musical plays. The performance emphasizes natural Japanese beauty, philosophy and virtue through aesthetics they inspire. It has earned an honorable mention from Ars Electronica art in 2015 and technology society in Austria and a grand prix from VFX Awards Japan.
