Ep 1. Body & Soul

In season 2 of the popular reality TV show Skin Wars, the first episode titled Body & Soul presents viewers with an exciting and visually stunning display of body art. Skin Wars is an American reality show that premiered in August 2014 on the Game Show Network. It features a panel of judges who critique contestants' body painting skills to determine who is the best "skin" artist. The show is hosted by Rebecca Romijn, and the panel of judges includes renowned artist RuPaul, along with other industry experts such as body painting icon Craig Tracy and celebrity photographer David LaChappelle.

The first episode of season 2 starts with the introduction of twelve new contestants representing a diverse range of styles and backgrounds from all over the United States. The contestants then introduce themselves and share their motivations for entering the competition. They are all striving to be crowned the winner of Skin Wars season 2 and secure a grand prize of $100,000 and a feature in the prestigious World Body Painting Festival in Austria.

For the first challenge, the contestants are asked to work in pairs to create a piece of artwork that represents both body and soul. The contestants must choose their partners from the other contestants in the first-ever "mating dance" of Skin Wars. The contestants must then work together to interpret the assigned theme while showcasing their unique styles and techniques.

The artists choose different approaches for the theme of body and soul, and the results are varied but beautiful. Some contestants opt for a more literal representation, using bodily features such as organs and veins to convey the soul's essence. Others take a more abstract approach, using the human form to convey the theme. Throughout the episode, the artists each have a chance to explain their vision, their inspiration, and their process as they work on their pieces. The judges keep a watchful eye on the artists and their artwork, noting their progress and technique.

One of the standout performances of the episode comes from the team of Aryn Fox and Yolanda Bartram. Their artwork depicts a human form slowly disintegrating, revealing a luminous, ethereal spirit within. Their piece is both haunting and beautiful, and the judges praise their unique interpretation of the theme. Another standout is the team of Robby Sproul and Natalie Fletcher. They use the opportunity to create a surreal, dreamlike piece that showcases both of their styles to excellent effect.

As the episode progresses, the artists race against the clock to finish their pieces in time for the final judging. The contestants present their work on a grand stage, and the judges carefully examine each piece to determine which teams will be safe and which will be in the bottom two. The judges have a difficult task ahead of them, as the level of talent on display is astounding. The competition is fierce, and the judgment is tough.

The first episode of Skin Wars season 2, Body & Soul, is a visually stunning, captivating, and exciting watch. The theme of the episode is a unique challenge that presents an opportunity for the contestants to showcase their skills and creativity in a novel way. Both the contestants and the judges bring their A-game, delivering compelling artwork and insightful critiques. The episode ends with one team being declared the winner, while another is sent home. As the season progresses, viewers will be eagerly anticipating what is next in store for these skilled and talented body artists as they continue to compete in this challenging and unique competition.