Sailing Through Benesse's Naoshima Legacy: The Art Archipelago
杉本博司＂タイム・エクスポーズド＂
写真：安斎重男
(C)Hiroshi Sugimoto＂Time Exposed＂
Photo: Shigeo Anzai
Surrounded by the restless waves of Japan's Seto Inland Sea, the Benesse Art Site Naoshima is a rare and exceptional gem that seamlessly merges contemporary art, awe-inspiring architecture, and the pristine beauty of nature. This extraordinary destination, comprising the islands of Naoshima, Teshima, and Inujima, stands as a testament to the visionary collaboration between Benesse Holdings, Inc. and the Fukutake Foundation.
Benesse Art Site Naoshima: A Journey to Well-Being Through Art
The Benesse Art Site Naoshima represents an ambitious undertaking designed to craft spaces that deeply resonate with the natural splendor and rich cultural history of the Seto Inland Sea. At its core, this project aspires to inspire visitors to ponder the profound meaning of "Well-Being" while immersing themselves in the breathtaking landscapes, artistic expressions, and local traditions of the region.
Benesse Holdings, Inc., founded in 1955, is dedicated to personal growth through global education, leadership training, and more. The Benesse Art Site Naoshima epitomizes their unwavering commitment to cultivating both individual development and community well-being.
In 2004, the Fukutake Foundation, in synergy with Benesse Holdings, Inc., embraced a parallel vision. Their mission revolves around the revitalization of local communities on Naoshima, Teshima, and Inujima. This foundation actively manages museums, provides grants, and lends its support to prestigious art festivals such as the Setouchi Triennale and the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale.
Soichiro Fukutake: The Visionary Bridge Builder
The narrative of the Benesse Art Site Naoshima wouldn't be complete without acknowledging the pivotal role played by Soichiro Fukutake. Fukutake's journey began when he returned to Okayama at the age of 40 following his father's sudden demise. It was during this period that he took up his father's mission of establishing a campsite on Naoshima, an endeavor that would profoundly connect him with the island's residents and awaken his deep appreciation for the awe-inspiring beauty of the Seto Inland Sea.
ベネッセハウス ミュージアム
写真：渡邉修
Benesse House Museum
Photo: Osamu Watanabe
As Fukutake engaged with Naoshima's landscape, he became captivated by the transformative power of contemporary art. His visionary introduction of art to the island revitalized its ambiance and drew a wave of younger visitors, proving that true happiness could be cultivated within strong, supportive communities rather than solitary pursuits. Fukutake firmly believed that contemporary art could bridge the gap between urban centers and islands, nurturing culture and community development in alignment with the principles of public interest capitalism.
The Enchanting Island of Naoshima
写真：鈴木研一
Photo: Ken'ichi Suzuki
Naoshima, situated within Kagawa Prefecture, is a captivating destination located 13 kilometers north of Takamatsu. Comprising granite hills, white-sand coastlines, and lush pine trees, it stands as a living testament to the untouched beauty of the Seto Inland Sea. Its rich history, including Emperor Sutoku's visit in the 12th century, adds layers of enchantment to its natural allure.
Benesse House: Nature, Architecture, and Art in Perfect Harmony
リチャード・ロング＂瀬戸内海の流木の円＂/＂瀬戸内海のエイヴォン川の泥の環＂
写真：山本糾
Richard Long＂Inland Sea Driftwood Circle＂/＂River Avon Mud Circles by the Inland Sea＂
Photo: Tadasu Yamamoto
Benesse House, an architectural masterpiece that serves as both a museum and a hotel, welcomed its first guests in 1992. Conceived with the visionary brilliance of renowned architect Tadao Ando, the museum is a flawless embodiment of the concept "Symbiosis of Nature, Architecture, and Art." This remarkable establishment is designed to allow guests to immerse themselves in both the world of art and the majesty of nature.
Artists are invited to Naoshima, where they handpick their spaces and create bespoke works that seamlessly meld with the island's landscape. These works are not confined to traditional gallery spaces but meander along the coastline and weave through the island's verdant forests. Benesse House invites visitors to embrace relaxation within the embrace of Naoshima's natural wonders, offering a unique experience where time spent here is time spent immersed in art and nature.
Art House Project: The Intersection of Art and Architecture
家プロジェクト「角屋」
宮島達男＂Sea of Time ’98＂
写真：鈴木研一
Art House Project “Kadoya” Tatsuo Miyajima＂Sea of Time ’98＂
Photo: Ken'ichi Suzuki
The Art House Project, situated in Naoshima's Honmura area, transcends the conventional boundaries of art installations. Here, traditional houses undergo transformation, morphing into permanent artworks. This endeavor doesn't merely entail renovation; it reimagines homes as unique spaces where architecture, history, and art converge harmoniously. Local residents actively support and engage with artists, thus setting a new benchmark for site-specific art within a community context.
The list of transformative installations includes Kadoya, Minamidera, Kinza, Go'o Shrine, Ishibashi, Gokaisho, and Haisha. Each of these installations tells a compelling story, preserving the island's cultural heritage while infusing new life into historical structures.
Chichu Art Museum: A Subterranean Sanctuary of Art
地中美術館
写真：藤塚光政
Chichu Art Museum
Photo:FUJITSUKA Mitsumasa
Established in 2004, the Chichu Art Museum serves as a sacred realm where nature and humanity intersect through the medium of art. Architect Tadao Ando's genius is on full display here, with the museum housing permanent exhibitions by illustrious artists such as Claude Monet, Walter de Maria, and James Turrell. The unique underground structure of the museum allows natural light to grace the artworks, resulting in an ever-evolving ambiance that shifts with the passage of time and the changing seasons.
Within the Chichu Art Museum, visitors can gaze in awe at Monet's paintings, which are entirely illuminated by the soft, natural light filtering through the subterranean galleries. The museum also showcases the transformative prowess of De Maria's sphere and the mesmerizing light installations crafted by Turrell. Here, guests are invited to immerse themselves not only in art but also in nature and spirituality, all while enveloped by the serene beauty of the Setouchi region.
Tadao Ando: An Architectural Visionary
Architect Tadao Ando's remarkable contributions to the Benesse Art Site Naoshima are impossible to overlook. His architectural design for the Chichu Art Museum, characterized by sunken courts and a gutter-shaped outdoor passage, epitomizes the site's harmonious blend of geometry and light. The museum's subterranean structure preserves the island's natural landscape while offering a profound and pure experience of space.
Lee Ufan Museum: A Tribute to a Pioneering Artist
The Lee Ufan Museum, opened in June 2010, stands as a tribute to the celebrated artist Lee Ufan, a pivotal figure in the Mono-ha School, a contemporary Japanese art movement that emerged in the 1970s. Positioned within a picturesque valley, the museum's architecture, also crafted by Tadao Ando, melds seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The entrance is marked by a striking pole created by Lee Ufan himself, establishing a captivating tension between horizontal and vertical elements.
李禹煥美術館
写真：山本糾
Lee Ufan Museum
Photo:Tadasu Yamamoto
The museum's interior spaces, characterized by rectangular and triangular layouts, are thoughtfully arranged across the valley's expanse. This design imbues the museum with a rhythmic dynamism that complements Lee Ufan's sculptures and paintings, offering visitors a contemplative space in which to connect with the artist's work.
A Cultural Oasis of Well-Being
The Benesse Art Site Naoshima stands as a testament to the transcendental fusion of art, architecture, and nature. This remarkable destination invites visitors to embark on a profound
journey that transcends the boundaries of conventional tourism. It beckons them to contemplate well-being, explore the rich tapestry of cultural heritage, and immerse themselves in the transformative power of art, all within the serene and breathtaking backdrop of the Seto Inland Sea.
As you venture deeper into this cultural oasis, you will discover that every facet of the Benesse Art Site Naoshima has been meticulously curated to nourish the spirit, inspire the mind, and elevate the soul. It serves as a resounding affirmation of the dedication and unwavering commitment of those who seek to enrich the lives of individuals and communities alike through the harmonious interplay of art and nature. This, in essence, is the embodiment of well-being on Naoshima's shores.