Soul Paint: Fostering Self-Reflection with XR Technology

Soul Paint offers a unique virtual reality journey that blends 3D art with personal reflection.

Unveiled at SXSW 2024, Soul Paint is the brainchild of Sarah Ticho and Niki Smit, with narration by Rosario Dawson. This project invites participants to explore, engage with, and orchestrate their emotions through cutting-edge immersive technology. In an ethereal environment, you become part of a 3D realm where the experience allows you to create visual expressions on your virtual body.

Using a combination of body-mapping and VR, Soul Paint is crafted to help users delve into and understand their own emotions better. The creators aim to “foster empathy and social connectedness by witnessing the experiences of others,” offering an opportunity to share these feelings with others once your journey is complete.

I had the chance to dive in during the NewImages Festival 2025, accessing the XR Market for a 20-minute session. The experience begins with a compelling question: “Where are you feeling?” It prompted some introspection, and soon, the activity took on a spiritual dimension. This celestial-like setting encourages a physical expression of self.

What unfolds is soothing and introspective, guiding you toward a sense of self-realization. Despite my lack of artistic prowess—my scribbles certainly aren’t masterpieces—I found it to be exactly what I needed then. The session allows for drawings on your virtual form, and you can leave a voice message at the conclusion, offering a chance to share your sentiments in a way words might not capture fully.

Soul Paint serves as a self-reflective mirror in VR. Though it’s a fleeting and linear experience, there’s a palpable sense of personal involvement and freedom that resonates. It provides an unconventional method for expressing oneself to others. While it may not dive deeply as an experience, it compensates with its thoughtful, almost meditative essence. I look forward to seeing more innovations like this.

The possibility of a home release for Soul Paint remains uncertain, but we’ll keep you posted with any updates.