![[Review of Skies Above] for Nintendo Switch](https://www.streamgamer.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Review-of-Skies-Above-for-Nintendo-Switch-360x180.jpg "[Review of Skies Above] for Nintendo Switch")
Soul Paint offers a unique VR experience by merging 3D artistry with self-reflection. Unveiled at SXSW 2024 by creators Sarah Ticho and Niki Smit, and voiced by Rosario Dawson, this project invites participants to delve into their emotions using immersive technology. In a dreamlike setting, Soul Paint equips you to sketch across a 3D space, interacting with your virtual form.
By blending body-mapping techniques with virtual reality, the creators aim to help users explore and understand their emotions. The goal is to nurture empathy and social bonds by letting users share their experiences once the session concludes.
I had the chance to try Soul Paint at the NewImages Festival 2025 during the XR Market, spending 20 minutes in this innovative space. It all kicks off with the evocative query, “Where are you feeling?” At first, I wasn’t quite sure, but quickly, the experience turned into a more transcendental journey. The ethereal surroundings encourage a free physical expression.
The session is calming and introspective, sparking a sense of self-realization. While my doodles weren’t masterpieces, they served their purpose for me during that time. You can sketch on your virtual body and even leave a voice note at the end, which can be shared with others, making it a charming alternative when words fail.
Soul Paint acts as a mirror in VR, offering a limited yet powerful sense of embodiment and player freedom. Although it doesn’t provide a deep, standalone experience, its thoughtful, meditative qualities more than compensate. I’m hopeful we’ll encounter more experiences like this in the future.
Currently, it’s unclear if Soul Paint will become available for home use, but I’ll make sure to update this space with any new information.
