Chinatsu Ban

at Kaikai Kiki
and Marianne Boesky Gallery
"Ban’s beautifully crafted work features elephants and human figures floating against Japanese washi paper backgrounds or in front of candy-colored stripes. Rendered delicately and with a childlike touch, Ban’s endearing characters are frequently shown wearing underpants or tights, or stranger still, sprouting cactus plants from their heads.

Asked why she chooses elephants and underwear, the answer lies in the comfort they provide. “These things are like talismans. It’s scary to imagine that someday I won’t exist in this world anymore. I am troubled by the urge to run away from this fear. Elephants make me feel safe. They have saved me many times,” says Ban."