Soul Paint Promotes Self-Reflection with XR Technology

Soul Paint offers a unique VR journey that blends 3D drawing with self-reflection.

Unveiled at SXSW 2024, this innovative project is the brainchild of Sarah Ticho and Niki Smit, and it features narration by Rosario Dawson. Participants are invited to explore and interact with their emotions through an immersive, 3D environment. In this ethereal setting, Soul Paint allows you to create art in the space around you and onto your virtual body.

The experience utilizes a combination of body-mapping and virtual reality to enhance emotional awareness. According to the creators, it fosters empathy and social connections by allowing participants to witness and share lived experiences and emotions.

During the NewImages Festival 2025, I had the chance to try Soul Paint for 20 minutes at the XR Market. It starts with a thought-provoking question: “Where are you feeling?” Initially, I wasn’t quite sure how to answer, but the experience soon felt transcendent, urging me to express myself in this otherworldly realm.

The process is soothing and introspective, leading to a sense of self-realization. My artistic skills may not win any awards, but the act of creation was fulfilling in that moment. You can draw on your virtual form and leave a voice message, which adds a personal touch and the option to share your feelings in a profound way.

Soul Paint serves as a mirror within virtual reality, capturing your essence. While its linear nature limits complexity, the sense of embodiment and control is impressive. As a unique approach to expression, it offers meditative insights though it might lack depth. I’m hopeful we’ll see more experiences like this in the future.

There’s no update on whether Soul Paint will eventually become available for home use, but we’ll provide updates if anything changes.