All About the Arts in Naoshima
Japan’s Naoshima, also known as the art island, is undoubtedly an art-lover’s paradise. It holds a wide collection of architecture, sculpture, paintings, and others. Naoshima is in Japan’s southern Kagawa district. The island’s remarkable transformation to a leading art center is partly thanks to the art collector Suichiro Fukatake.
The many works of art in Naoshima are scattered around the island. These include the Benesse House, Chichu Museum, the Art House project, the I Love Yu Bath house, the 007 Museum, and the Go’o Shrine.
Benesse House
The Benesse Corporation was responsible for the development of the Benesse House, well known for its exhibits of modern art. The Benesse House is both a museum and hotel. It displays various artworks in its modern art museum, guestrooms, and additional pieces of art that are found in the lawns, cliffs and shores around the property. The famous Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusana is one of Benesse’s displays and overlooks the sea.
Art House Project
The Art House Project is an assortment of abandoned homes and buildings given to artists who can use them to display their various works. The artworks here include LED displays, paintings, wooden sculptures, and architectural installations.
Go’o Shrine
Built within a bamboo forest, the mysterious Go’o Shrine cannot be entered. It has a glass staircase that leads to a closed door. The shrine contains symbolism relating to the Shinto religion.
Chichu Art Museum
More modern art is in the Chichu Art Museum. Claude Morrell’s water lilies series occupy its first gallery, and the Time/Timeless/No Time installation by Walter de Maria inhabit its deepest recesses. Those who love architecture will also enjoy the Museum structure itself, also a work of art.
I love Yu Bath House
The I Love Yu bath house is an actual bath house where you can soak surrounded by art: posters, paintings, and tile murals of abalone divers decorate the walls, and its ceiling is of painted glass.
007 Museum
James Bond fanatics love the 007 Museum, which is filled with James Bond posters and paraphernalia. The museum was dedicated to the story The Man with the Red Tattoo, part of which was set in Naoshima. There’s lots of fan art of the story to enjoy.
