The Seto Inland Sea provides the backdrop for the porous sculpture
Designed by Tadao Ando, this architectural marvel on Naoshima seamlessly blends with nature. The Benesse House Museum (ミュージアム) showcases contemporary art, including its outdoor seaside Sculpture Park, through an immersive indoor and outdoor experience. Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, it offers breathtaking panoramic views, making it a unique and memorable destination for art and architecture enthusiasts.
Benesse House Museum: Art, Nature, and the Sea(YouTube link)
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On 11/29/2024, a cloudy day, we visited Benesse House Museum and its Sculpture Park on the seaside. The museum itself displays drawings, paintings, prints, and other artworks by artists in the collection. However, the outdoor sculptures that seamlessly blend with nature were most attractive to some visitors like me.
Skylight illuminates an interactive LED art display within the building
For anyone interested in contemporary art, architecture, or simply seeking a unique cultural experience in a beautiful setting, the Lee Ufan Museum (李禹煥美術館) is recommended. It stands out not only for its artistic and architectural merits but also for the profound, meditative experience it offers.
Unique Artistic Experience: The museum showcases the works of Lee Ufan, a prominent artist known for his contributions to the Mono-ha (School of Things) movement, which emphasizes the relationship between materials and space. The art here invites contemplation on the interaction between the observer, the artwork, and the environment.
Architectural Harmony: Designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando, the museum itself is a work of art. Its semi-underground structure and the way it integrates with the natural landscape of Naoshima Island create a serene and thought-provoking environment. The building's design enhances the viewing of Lee Ufan's art, with natural light and shadows playing significant roles in the experience.
Part of a Larger Experience: Naoshima offers several other art installations and museums, including the Chichu Art Museum by Tadao Ando, Benesse House, and various outdoor art pieces. The Lee Ufan Museum is a part of this broader artistic exploration.
Lee Ufan Museum: An Architectural Masterpiece by Tadao Ando (YouTube link)
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The Lee Ufan Museum offers a tranquil experience surrounded by nature. Its location in a valley between the sea and mountains provides a peaceful setting that complements the introspective nature of the art. Visiting the museum offers insights into both contemporary art and Japanese architectural design. No exhibits inside are shown here because photos and videos were not allowed inside.
The Museum Boasts a Rich Collection of Japanese Artworks from the Edo Period (1603–1868) and Beyond (Source: official site)
The Okada Museum of Art (岡田美術館) in Hakone, Japan, was opened in 2013 by casino magnate Kazuo Okada, showcasing his extensive collection of Japanese, Chinese, and Korean art, gathered over less than twenty years.
Okada Museum of Art: A Hidden Gem in Hakone (YouTube link)
Highlights of Okada Museum of Art
Prime Location: Nestled near the hot springs of Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, the museum seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings.
Architectural Masterpiece: Designed by Miura Shin, the museum features a stunning entrance mural titled "Wind/Time" by Fukui Kotaro.
Diverse Collection: The museum houses approximately 450 artworks spanning five floors, including Japanese, Chinese, and Korean art. Highlights include:
Ancient and contemporary Japanese art
Chinese bronze ware, ceramics, and jade vessels
Lacquer works from Japan, China, Korea, and Ryukyu
Buddhist statues from the Heian and Kamakura periods
Harmonious Design: The museum's architecture, designed by Miura Shin, harmoniously integrates with the natural slope of Kowakudani.
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On 11/20/2024, a rainy day, I decided to visit the Okada Museum of Art to escape the rain. I was truly amazed by the vast collections of Chinese pottery, bronze ware, and jade vessels. The rich Chinese collection dates from the Western Zhou Dynasty to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Most of the ceramic comes from the Jingde Kiln (景徳窯).
Because of the museum's strict rules prohibiting photos or videos inside the exhibit areas, I can only showcase the beautiful garden outside and Kaikatei, a restaurant in a renovated old Japanese-style house with a nice view of the autumn colors of the garden in the background. Please note, due to rain, the Museum Gardens were closed on that day. The autumn colors displayed below were captured in the areas around the Museum and the restaurant.
Explore 15,000 Square Meters of Scenic Gardens with Streams, Waterfalls, and Ponds
Kaikatei, a restaurant in a renovated old Japanese-style house
Yayoi Kusama's Narcissus Garden: A Display of Stainless Steel Spheres
Valley Gallery in Naoshima (直島町), Japan, is a notable part of the Benesse Art Site Naoshima. Designed by Tadao Ando, the gallery showcases his minimalist style with concrete structures. It features a trapezoid-shaped floor plan and an angular steel roof that blend with the natural valley surroundings. The design resembles a traditional Japanese shrine, creating a harmonious space for nature, art, and architecture.
The walls and roof are angled to allow natural light through slits, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, connecting the interior with the exterior landscape.
Art Installations:
Yayoi Kusama's "Narcissus Garden": One of the most notable installations within and around Valley Gallery is Kusama's reflective spheres. Originally presented at the Venice Biennale in 1966, this work has been expanded for Naoshima, with 1,700 mirrored balls placed both inside the gallery and in the surrounding outdoor space, reflecting the environment and engaging visitors in a play of infinity and self-reflection.
Tsuyoshi Ozawa's "Slag Buddha 88": Nearby, Ozawa’s work, made from slag — a by-product of industrial waste — features 88 Buddha statuettes. This installation not only showcases art but also highlights environmental concerns, integrating themes of regeneration and the repurposing of materials.
Art and Nature: An Encounter at Naoshima's Valley Gallery(YouTube link)
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I first visited the Valley Gallery drawn by the vibrant autumn colors. As I approached, an outgoing customer gave me a glowing recommendation of the place. Inside, one of the most striking features was the installation by Kusama. Her reflective spheres, originally showcased at the Venice Biennale in 1966, have been magnificently expanded here for Naoshima. There are 1,700 mirrored balls, scattered both within the gallery and throughout the outdoor areas. These spheres capture and reflect the surrounding environment, creating an enchanting play of light, infinity, and self-reflection for all who wander through.
