Discovering Naoshima Island in Japan

To the east of Hiroshima lies the island of Naoshima. A traditional lantern marks the entrance to the port. In just a few years the island has made quite a name for itself. And yet the architecture of the houses is nothing special. Life on the island changed the day a publisher launched several ambitious projects for the arts. For example, the art house project gave certain artists the opportunity of turning an ordinary building into a work of art. The creator wanted the project to integrate art into nature. The concept of blending art and nature is quite zen. How to blend nature with concrete? How to give life to raw concrete? The Japanese architect Tadao Ando managed to meet this challenge. He designed a building that is both hotel and showcase for contemporary art. Outside, the beings conjured up by Niki de Saint Phalle set the tone for works of art that have sprouted up everywhere in the grounds. Art and colour transform nature. And even the scarecrows become works of art. The museum is tucked away on top of a hill, with works by Giacometti and César exposed side by side. The artists play with vision and illusion. Painting or landscape? Wall or painting? The museum is a work of art in itself. And when work of art waves in the wind, the union with nature is total.