Sonoran Yokai is a collaborative project between two local Tucson artists, Aubrey Behrens and Kayla Ballesteros. The project aims to engage the broader Tucson community in curiosity for the arts through sculptural installations. These sculptures will be reimagined versions of Yokai (a broad term for ghosts, spirits, tricksters, and other supernatural beings) from Japanese folklore, applying similar imagery to myths from the Sonoran Desert. Yokai serve as metaphors for exploring the complexity of human emotions and experiences. Each Yokai embodies a different aspect of human nature, societal fears, and cultural beliefs. By bringing these mythical beings to life in the context of the Sonoran Desert, we invite viewers to reflect on their own relationship with nature, folklore, and the unknown.
Visually, we are inspired by the playful site-specific sculptures in Fukusaki, Japan, nicknamed “Yokai Town”. We are also drawing visual inspiration from American artist AJ Fosik, Canadian Artist Ginette Lapalme, and the art toy company 1000 Tentacles.
This project was made possible by a generous donation from Kerry and Herbert Stratford through the University of Arizona School of Art's Medici Scholars program. Thank you!
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The Artists
The Artists
Aubrey Behrens is an interdisciplinary artist based in Tucson, Arizona. They are a graduate student in the University of Arizona’s Master of Fine Arts program. For the last 10 years, Aubrey has been making a living off of their business making costumes, cosplay, and fursuits. Their art practice research examines the tenuous relationship between urbanism and nature, gentrification and marginalization within communities, and the loss of Sonoran biodiversity. Their work is often characterized by value contrast and the use of silhouette in a variety of media, from wire sculpture to digital illustration and textiles, and the use of animal imagery as a metaphor to discuss societal issues.
Contact
aubreybehrens@arizona.edu
The Artists
The Artists
Kayla Ballesteros is a University of Arizona alumni with a BFA in Visual Communications. She has always been a working artist, starting as a tattoo artist before receiving her undergraduate degree. She has had her work showcased at conventions and markets throughout the last 14 years. Kayla brings a multicultural perspective to her work as a person of mixed Hispanic heritage who grew up on the south side of Tucson. Her artistic practice spans illustration, painting, comics, and sculpture, blending traditional and digital methods to express herself across various mediums, demonstrating her versatility as an artist. Her work is characterized by intricate details and meticulous line work. She draws inspiration from folklore, surrealism, the ethereal, and introspection.
Spirit
of the Monsoon
The Sonoran Toad
Project Information
Mixed Media, Papier Mache, Acrylic Paint
Approx. 1.5'x2'x1.5'
Date
July 2024
This is a seasonal spirit that appears during the monsoon. Some say that it emerges from puddles and, if spotted, is the harbinger of a strong storm season. The mysterious patterns on its body tell a story about the rain and cycle of water in this ecosystem. They seem to enjoy collecting cactuses on their backs when they mature, and the crown on their head is much like the seed pod of a barrel cactus. When its giant mouth opens, its colorful and playful young are revealed.
This piece is inspired by the Sonoran Toad and the kappa from Japanese folklore. The paintings are reminiscent of talavera pottery and traditional japanese tattoos, which often narrate a story.
The Trickster
The Coyote
Project Information
Mixed Media, Papier Mache, Cardstock and Enamel paint
Approximately 4'x5'x3'
Date
August 2024
In many folk traditions, there is a trickster character that may bring good or bad fortune to anyone who crosses paths with them. This trickster coyote is inspired by merged imagery from Dia de los Muertos traditions and the Japanese kitsune. Souls of species critically endangered to the Sonoran Desert region can be observed on the papel picado banners that make up the coyote's tail. This spirit likes to mess with people but is mostly harmless. The coyote is sometimes seen with an orb-like fire in its mouth; we have speculated that this ball could be a collected spirit, as this coyote is a protector and seer of endangered species in the southwest. These species, including the elusive Jaguar, ocelot, and mexican gray wolf can be observed in the banners that grow from its tail. If you come across this spirit, offer them some tithe, treasure or coin and they’ll let you pass without playing a trick on you.
This piece is inspired by indigenous stories of the coyote trickster from this region, Dia de los Muertos, and the nine-tailed kitsune from Japanese folklore. The banners on the tail are a visual combination of Japanese charms and papel picado.
The Lady of Keys
The Ghost of Congress Street
Date
August 2024
Project
Papier Mache, Mixed Media, Acrylic Paints, found objects
Approximately 3'x2'x2'
This spirit wanders the halls looking for doors to lock or unlock, depending on what is more inconvenient to you. People have reported hearing keys and chains while walking downtown in the middle of the night. Usually, she is looking for a bit of fun, but if you get on her bad side, she might lock you in a room or steal your keys to add to her collection. She is said to wear a mask to conceal her face and be more appealing to people. Only a few people have seen her true face and lived to share their story.
Inspired by the Mexican folktale of La Llorona, ghosts of Hotel Congress including the locksmith apprentice, and Yurei, rokurokubi, and Kuchisake Onna from Japanese folklore. Rokurokubi are a type of yokai in Japanese folklore known for their ability to stretch their necks to great lengths, especially at night. During the day, they appear as ordinary humans, but at night, they reveal their supernatural nature.
