Setouchi Triennale: Spring Sessions 2019

Curator’s Journal: 

More than imagined, despite my high expectations, Japan’s Setouchi Triennale has been a once in a life experience that I shall highlight in my memories. The art festival held on 12 islands and 2 ports in the Seto Inland Sea happens once every three years and has much to offer to art lovers seeking a special experience. From Naoshima to Teshima, over Ogijima and Oshima, the artworks are to be seen outdoors as well as in the outstanding museums.

Yayoi Kusama´s 2006, Red Pumpkin can be found at the Miyanoura Port, together with José de Guimaraes “Bunraku Puppet” and Sou Fujimoto´s Naoshima Pavillion.

In Homura sits the Ando Museum, a Tadao Ando- designed inner space, framed by an unadorned concrete wall, that infuses new life into a 100- year old traditional house in Homura.

A dream place, the Museum area in Tsumura, holds the Chichu Art Museum – built mostly underground to avoid affecting the beautiful area of the Seto Inland Sea, where artworks by Claude Monet, Walter de Maria, and James Turell are permanently on display. The Benesse House Museum, a hotel with an Art Museum.  Opened in 1992 the space focuses on the concept of Coexistence of Nature, Architecture, and Art. The Museum holds exhibits site-specific works created by various artists alongside its permanent collection, and the Lee Ufan Museum – a  museum resulting from the collaboration between internationally acclaimed artist Lee Ufan and architect Tadao Ando.

Not to miss is the Teshima Art Museum, located over a hill in the Karato area. The droplet-shaped structure blends with an in-continuous- change the artwork as time goes by.

The unpredictable surprises to be seen there, worth for sure the journey and reinforces the meaning of art.

Photos Courtesy of Sybaris Collection