Tour the surrealist wonderland of Naoshima
Immerse yourself in a world of modern art with a tour of Naoshima. This small islet in the Seto Inland Sea, is known for its often surreal and always striking art. As you visit Naoshima you can take in it’s modern architectural masterpieces, galleries, exhibitions, studios, museums and wide variety of public sculptures.
This is a place that demands to be taken seriously. You’ll notice the serene atmosphere here, almost akin to the calm, meditative mood of a shrine. There is, indeed, an air of sanctity in how Naoshima asks you to approach its artistic endeavours. It feels like being in a sacred space or a privileged museum, and you’ll even be asked to sign a waiver passing the right to take photographs or post pictures on social media.
The art here may be stridently contemporary but the island itself is old-world. There are no televisions and Naoshima prides itself on being an exception to the internet’s claim of world-wide web.
On your Naoshima tour you can ponder the significance of the giant pumpkin and try to explain the ramifications of the 88 buddhas created from industrial waste.
In short, Naoshima is bonkers. But nevertheless completely enthralling.