Soul Paint: Innovating Emotional Exploration Through XR

In a world increasingly focused on emotional well-being and self-understanding, Hatsumi has introduced a groundbreaking interactive extended reality (XR) technology called Soul Paint, designed to help individuals visualize their emotions and bodily sensations. This innovative approach allows users to metaphorically “paint” on a digital representation of themselves, facilitating a deeper connection to their emotional states and providing insight into how these feelings manifest physically.

Soul Paint operates not through traditional paints but via an immersive XR experience. Users don a headset that transports them into a virtual space where they can use an XR paintbrush and palette to create vivid representations of their emotions. Each color chosen reflects different feelings, enabling a user to visually map their emotional landscape. This colorful expression not only serves as a personal reflection but can also be shared with others, enhancing interpersonal understanding. Additionally, users have the option to narrate their experience, creating a rich, immersive storytelling element that adds depth to the experience—consider it a form of biofeedback in a 3D format.

The technology has already gained recognition, winning the Special Jury Prize at the SXSW XR Competition and the Best in Health and Wellness award at the Games for Change festival in June. Soul Paint is set to feature prominently in upcoming events, including the London Film Festival in mid-October and a special exhibition at the United Nations with Games for Change later that month.

One of the standout features of the Soul Paint experience is the voice of the narrator, actress Rosario Dawson, known for her roles in films like Men In Black II and Rent, as well as her recent work in the HBO mini-series DMZ. In a trailer for Soul Paint, Dawson states, “Everyone has a hidden story; this is a chance to explore yours,” emphasizing the personal journey that Soul Paint encourages.

To fully appreciate the potential of Soul Paint, it’s essential to understand the vision of its founder and director, Sarah Ticho. Ticho’s journey into this innovative realm began with a background in anthropology, shaped by her own experiences with grief and mental health challenges. “Often we don’t have words to describe how we feel,” Ticho explains, highlighting the intersection of immersive storytelling, healthcare, and research that Soul Paint embodies. She sees body mapping as a vital tool for revealing the connections between emotions and physical sensations, serving as an interactive storytelling method that fosters meaningful conversations.

Soul Paint also includes an archive of user-generated body mapping images, allowing individuals to view and reflect on the experiences of others. Ticho believes that seeing oneself in the context of others can offer therapeutic value, enhancing empathy and understanding. By positioning Soul Paint at the intersection of anthropology, psychology, healthcare, education, and art, Ticho reflects her multifaceted background, which includes aspirations of becoming an End of Life Doula alongside her diverse professional endeavors.

Ticho’s path has been far from straightforward. After initially working in the UK National Health Services and volunteering in an art gallery, she discovered immersive art while grappling with her own experiences of grief. Her time in Australia further deepened her interest in mental health projects, including the use of breath control for anxiety regulation. Despite facing skepticism from potential investors—who doubted that hospitals would invest in VR technology—Ticho persevered. Her vision gradually gained traction, leading to partnerships with studios like Monobanda, which co-produced Soul Paint and has created various interactive healthcare experiences.

The rising interest in XR technology for healthcare applications has culminated in a collaborative report co-authored by Ticho for the UK government, titled “The Growing Value of XR in Healthcare in the United Kingdom.” This report underscores the increasing recognition of XR’s potential to address emotional and psychological challenges in contemporary society.

The demand for innovative approaches like Soul Paint has never been more critical. In the face of a growing loneliness epidemic and escalating mental health crises, individuals are often struggling to articulate their feelings and experiences. Political divisions, fueled by misinformation and societal pressures, further exacerbate these issues, creating a climate where understanding and connection become even more vital.

Soul Paint offers a unique lens through which to view oneself and others—both literally and figuratively. In a society filled with distractions and superficial judgments, this XR technology invites users to rediscover their authentic selves and acknowledge their shared human experiences. By focusing on the internal rather than external characteristics, Soul Paint aims to bridge divides and foster greater empathy among individuals.

In essence, Soul Paint serves as a reminder that beneath the complexities of human existence lies a shared emotional landscape. By encouraging users to explore and express their inner selves, this innovative technology has the potential to create a more harmonious society, one where understanding and connection flourish. With Soul Paint, Ticho and her team are not just creating a tool for self-exploration; they are painting a new vision for the future of emotional well-being and interpersonal understanding.