Naoshima and Teshima Visit

Benesse Art Site Naoshima (three islands in the Seto Inland Sea) is some of the most exciting places to see contemporary art. Naoshima is the destination for art lovers in the world. Artworks are everywhere, inside and outside, on the beach on the cliffs and even in the residential district.

 We visited Naoshima and Teshima at the end of October to have a luxurious stay surrounded by contemporary arts in a natural environment, being away from Tokyo.

 Benesse House Museum is an open-air style of architecture, with the concept of “Coexistence of Nature, Architecture and Art.”  Guests can appreciate art works inside and outside of the building and experience nature around the building. The museum-hotel exhibits excellent works, including an iconic sculpture, Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama.

 “Chichu Art Museum” designed by Tadao Ando, a prominent Japanese architect, presenting an opportunity to view an exhibition of Monet’s works.  

 Lee Ufan’s works provide strength and stillness and resonate with Ando’s concrete building.  On display are large installations made of stone, concrete and huge slabs of iron.

 On the island of Teshima lies Teshima Art Museum. It is an enchanting building by an artist Naito Rei, and architect Nishizawa Ryue. The large concrete building is in the shape of a drop of water. This calming, organic space contains an installation on water.

Two oval openings allow the air, sounds, and light of the outside world  into this organic space where nature and architecture seem intimately interconnected.  Very impressive museum.

Posted  on October 24, 2020