Naoshima + Teshima City Guide

Naoshima + Teshima City Guide
With Beulah's Creative Designer

In everything Beulah undertakes, we are defined by civic-minded responsibility, rigorous research, global vision, innovative thinking and a passion for design and culture. We frequently look to a range of industry and thought leaders to share their thinking, insights and perspectives, often drawn from lived experiences.

With a wealth of inspiration and rich storytelling at our fingertips, we share this with you by way of our Beulah City Guides Series, an exploration of cities around the world, through the eyes of compelling industry and thought leaders.

Clara Yap is Beulah’s big picture visual thinker. Her expertise lies in all things creative, in particular, she thrives on understanding what makes people tick and how a relationship can be forged between the visual element and the viewer.

As Creative Designer, Clara works closely with our marketing team to create memorable and engaging designs and campaigns for various branding touchpoints across print and digital. Her passion for creativity extends beyond the Beulah office too – on weekends you can find her illustrating, creating hand letter typography, or commissioning artwork.

Clara’s city guide takes us to the awe-inspiring Japan Art Islands, specifically Naoshima and Teshima, located in the Set Inland Sea. Join Clara as she explores her favourite art installations and museums, as well as her top tips to best experience the art islands.

Can you give us an overview of Teshima and Naoshima’s transformation into art islands and their significance in the art world?

Once a post-industrial wasteland, Naoshima, Teshima and its surrounding islands have transformed into places of art located in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan. These clusters of art islands are filled with surreal creative installations, contemporary museums and architectural gems, by local and intentionally renowned architects and artists. An art-filled utopia that relies on nature and its surroundings to bring it to life, it’s a true mecca for art lovers worldwide.

Art Installation used for bicycle storage

Art House Project

Ando Museum

Red Pumpkin

Naoshima Pavilion

What was your most memorable experience while visiting both Teshima and Naoshima in terms of art and design?

EVERYTHING! But if I had to choose, my top three would be:

Chichu Art Museum: I was amazed by the architecture designed by Tadao Andao. This museum was built mostly underground to avoid affecting the beautiful scenery and has been designed to consider the relationship between nature and people. It features artworks by Claude Monet, James Turell and Walter De Maria – all so magnificent and surreal.
Teshima Art Museum: This museum was my most anticipated place I had on my list when I was planning my trip to the art islands. I’ve only seen it in pictures but to be there in person was a whole new experience.
Art House Projects: I love how they’ve integrated artwork into old heritage houses in a town near a port which were carefully thought out for you to explore. It felt like I was travelling around the town to find hidden gems which was quite an adventure.

Valley Gallery

Lee Ufan Museum

Can you describe the impact that the unique atmosphere and surroundings of these islands had on your overall experience?

My time on the art islands had really taught me to pause, to appreciate and to interact with my surroundings. A lot of the artwork on these islands were created to be thought-provoking and interactive. My senses were awakened and even the smallest and most ordinary thing would be vying for my attention. I was also glad we decided to travel around the island with an electric bicycle. It made my overall experience of being immersed in the landscape more memorable.

How did the art installations on these islands enhance your understanding of Japanese culture and contemporary art?

Japanese culture and contemporary art is known to seamlessly blend traditional and modern elements, creating a fusion between its history and its ability to adapt to change. I’ve noticed that the art islands showcase this concept throughout. Art was not only exhibited inside buildings, but displayed outside in natural scapes and heritage sites, also embracing the Japanese design elements such as minimalism and the celebration of nature.

Chichu Art Museum, Photography by Iwan Baan

Aerial view of Chichu Art Museum, Photography by Iwan Baan

Chichu Art Museum, Photography by Iwan Baan

Were there any unexpected interactions or moments of discovery that stood out during your visit to the art islands?

James Turrell’s works on Naoshima Island were all an unexpected sensory experience for me. Turrell’s work often involves creating spaces where light and colour are manipulated and used to play with the viewer’s perception. Encountering his work really helped me understand that art can be more than just a painting on the wall. It can be interactive, immersive and thought-provoking.

Encountering his work really helped me understand that art can be more than just a painting on the wall. It can be interactive, immersive and thought-provoking.

Teshima Art Museum

Teshima Art Museum, Photography by Iwan Baan

Teshima Yokoo House

What advice would you give to someone planning their first trip to Teshima and Naoshima to maximise their experience?

Book in advance. Chichu Art Museum and Teshima Art Museum will require you to book. Book as early as you can to avoid disappointment.
Travel around the island with an electric bicycle. You’ll thank yourself for it. Best way to explore the island.
Check opening times for each place. Some places are only open on specific days and for a few hours!
Some places won’t allow photography. Just put your phone/camera down and enjoy the art. You’ll learn to appreciate your surroundings more.

Benesse House Museum

Can you share any personal insights into the fusion of nature and art on these islands and how it affected your perspective on art and design?

Teshima Art Museum was an unforgettable experience for me that changed my perspective on art and design and its strong connection to its environment. Blurring the boundaries between art, architecture and nature, the museum was designed to harmonise with the natural landscape of Teshima Island with an open-air concept. The way it was designed allowed visitors to be present in the moment, observing the changing light, sound and sensations of the environment. My favourite moments of my experience at this museum was seeing the floor covered in droplets of water that was continuously seeping through the ground, creating small pools of water that were moving according to its environment. I could stare at the water trickle for hours.

How has your visit to these art islands influenced your appreciation for contemporary art and design, and what lasting impressions have you taken with you?

One thing I learnt at the Art Islands is that everything has a purpose – with art and design explored to transform and connect with its surroundings.