Joanna Kawecki travels to the Benesse Art Site Naoshima and discovers some of the islands’ hidden treasures.
June 29th, 2012
Naoshima is well-renowned internationally as Japan’s Art Island, but neighbouring islands Teshima and Inujima have also encouraged an increase of intrigued visitors willing to travel to their secluded locations.
Described as Art Sites, the trio are situated in the Seto Inland Sea just a train ride from neighbouring Okayama in the south-west of Japan. While Naoshima’s Art Site was established in 2002,Teshima and Inujima saw their first site-specific works erected in 2005 and 2010 respectively.
Founder Soichiro Fukutake had a serious vision for the 3 islands, making them an uncompromised cultural destination for creatives and curious travellers alike, and there is growing attention for neighbouring islands Teshima and Inujima, both just a 20 minute speed boat away.
The islands house both art and architecture in their finest form, showcasing the result of when each environmental element has been taken into account, and where an equally conscious understanding of the islands’ character and its local residents have been carefully considered.
The Teshima Art Museum is a collaborative creation between architect Ryue Nishizawa (SANAA) and artist Rei Naito, an elegant concrete shell-like structure that resonates with the natural environment.
Designed to resemble a drop of water, inside the theme continues with timed water flows that trickle in a play of light, space and gravity.
Your attention is directed to the timed water trickles that accurately trickle in the combination of light, space and gravity, providing an ultimate sensorial experience.
Inujima previously housed a copper refinery; now only a population of 50 resides there. The Inujima Art Project was revitalised by architect Hiroshi Sambuichi and artist Yukinori Yanagi, aiming to realise a society with successful recycling management.
Continuing with the theme of artist and architecture collaboration, a museum housing the complete works of architect Tadao Ando is expected in 2013.
Benesse Art Site
benesse-artsite.jp
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Lizzy Stageman blends ancestral wisdom with artistry to reveal grand life stories in her contemporary Aboriginal designs. ‘Finding My Place’ transforms her original art into captivating commercial textiles, wall coverings & acoustic art.
Viccarbe’s design furniture concepts draw inspiration from the vibrant spirit of Valencia and have revolutionised interiors across the globe. Featuring celebrated designers such as John Pawson and internationally acclaimed collections, Viccarbe offers a contemporary perspective on modern commercial and residential spaces.
The new terminal interiors at the Hamilton Kirikiriroa Airport celebrate the beauty to be found in transition and a connection to the local identity of New Zealand.
For Living Edge, B-Corp certification was the next appropriate step in a long journey focused on building a truly sustainable and socially responsible business. In 2023 they achieved certification at their first pass, giving customers a new level of environmental assurance and the company an important milestone to celebrate across two decades of staff-led, sector-leading sustainability practices.
Blue Plate Grill brings a different dining experience to Sydney’s Neutral Bay.
At Milan Design Week 2014, 22 designers created one-of-a-kind objects using Kvadrat’s Divina fabric, with some very colourful results.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Health precincts are complicated, multi-dimensional places to develop, design, deliver and operate, writes Hassell’s Ben Rees. So, “how do we balance commercial imperatives with the need to foster connection, community and wellbeing?”
The Luminary category at INDE.Awards 2023 Gala caused quite the buzz on stage. We look at who this year’s Luminaries are, and what makes them shine so bright – both in their day-to-day practices – and on the night!
In its 25th year of colour forecasting Dulux presents the 2024 Dulux Colour Forecast with three palettes that lean into the beauty of browns and blues. Enjoy!
When Caroline Olah conceptualised furniture that could be tailored, well made, classic and supplied in a timely fashion, little did she and husband Andrew, realise the impact their vision would have on the Australian design scene.