Thursday, March 14, 2013

An Island of Modern Arts and Architectures


Last month, my father passed away. Never did I expect him to be gone so sudden. Old as he was, he still drove for himself or enjoyed playing Go(囲碁)or singing a song in karaoke at the gathering. On the previous day when he was found dead at home by a visiting care taker, I had visited him as usual. There seemed nothing unusual about him. 

It was a heart attack, however, his face was so calm and peaceful. The thing he saw last might have been my mother’s smile, who had died 14 months before.
I still can’t believe he is not here anymore but the thought that he is rest in peace with my mother helps me feel happy for them.

And then this month, my daughter gave birth to a baby boy. I feel life is passed down and continues. She and a baby will stay at my house for a while after they leave hospital tomorrow. I’m excited and thankful that a new life brings pleasure and liveliness again.

During this wonder of life and death spiral, I visited Naoshima, one of small islands in Inland Sea of Japan. One thing that makes it popular is a combination of quiet, beautiful seascape and modern arts based on the concept “coexistence of nature, architecture and art” in Benesse Art Site Naoshima.




I stayed at Benesse House Museumwhich is one of four accommodation facilities and the building itself is a museum designed by Tadao Ando.



Honestly speaking, I don't think I have an eye for arts and had wondered why modern arts and architectures in natural island? Besides, I had a preoccupied idea that modern art was something not easy to appreciate. I had expected that at least I would be able to enjoy seascape and seafood in the quiet surroundings. However, unexpectedly this time I came to like that strange but comfortable feeling I had in a different world far from everyday life.

There are several art museums in the site. Both inside and outside of the museums, the installation works in space and surroundings with not so many visitors because of off season gave me an opportunity to feel a sense of infinity, profundity and fluidity of nature and face to myself. 



This is a picture of Chichu Art Museum (underground museum so that it won't affect the appearance of the island) from the air by Iwan Baan. Pictures are not allowed inside. I especially was drawn by the works of James Turrell, titled Open Field where he presents light in itself as art.


In the site, you can come across various sculptures installed in the open air.

                                                                   

        At Naoshima port, this pumpkin made by Yayoi Kusama welcomed us visitors.

another pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama




La Conversation by Niki de Saint Phalla
art work by me? You can see Great Seto Bridge over there.




These birds are real.






                                 Tankers, ferries, fishing boats are coming and going.





It really was a good break for me. It was far more interesting and fascinating than I had expected it would be. I came to realize art works are to feel with our own association and imagination. When I found something touching at my heart in them, I was really into them.
Well, I shouldn't forget to say that the hotel meals were exquisitely good. 

I’m afraid I don’t have much time to spend at computer for a while but I’m enjoying visiting your posts from time to time.

54 comments:

  1. Dear Cosmos! I am both sad about your father and happy about the new baby..
    You show a wonderful place with lovely pictures! Hope you can rest and have a good time with your daughter
    Many hugs from Tania:-)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Tania! Now I'm enjoying long forgotten liveliness with a new born baby.

      Delete
  2. Cosmos--I am so very sorry about your father. I know how hard that is. But what a joy to have a new baby in the family, and how wonderful that they will stay with you--your daughter is fortunate to have you to help her.

    Naoshima looks fascinating. I am sure I would enjoy it. I'm glad you had a nice break.

    Enjoy the baby!

    xo,
    Jen

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    1. I realize how a baby brings happiness to people around him^ ^
      Thank you Jen for your kind words!

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  3. お父様穏やかに天国に召されたことと思います。お姉様そしてけい子さん達、ひんぱんにご実家にお手伝いに帰られてお父様を助けていましたね。また今回は御嬢さんの出産おめでとうございます!今日から忙しいことと思いますけど、家族笑顔が絶えない日が続きますね。
    現代アートって、始めはとっつきにくい感じがしますよね。弥生草間さんがずっと何十年もの間、水玉模様を描き続けて来られたことに驚きと敬意の念で一杯です。実際にNaoshimaでかぼちゃのアートを見るとその素晴らしさを感じることが出来るのでしょうか・・・。私はたまたま弥生草間さんの作品が洋服やカバン、財布にデザインされてるのをデパートで売ってるのを見た時、やっぱり現代に受け入れられるアートなのだ・・・と目からうろこが落ちたような気分になりました。
    赤やピンクの水玉模様のレインコート可愛いですよ!ちょっとハデかな?いつか買いたいわ。
    Tomoko

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    1. Tomokoさん、いつも温かい心をありがとう。
      カボチャのアート、素晴らしいというより面白いなと思いました。水玉模様はバリエイションもあってあきがこないですね。赤やピンクの水玉模様のレインコート、いきいきとしたあなたにはきっと似合いますよ^^

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  4. I often wonder if that's not the best way to go: quietly, suddenly, without warning, nothing unusual.

    Now there's a new baby boy, and your father's legacy can continue.

    Whenever I read about the death of a parent, I shiver and wonder when I will get a call from my sister in South Africa about our mother. I'm so glad I visited her last month.

    PS: I enjoyed your photos of the modern sculptures, but it's not nearly as beautiful as the real birds and the real sunset. :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I realize there's only fine line between life and death. The fact that he didn't seem to have had a long struggle for an eternal life is a great solace for me.
      I know what you meant by "it's not nearly as beautiful as the real birds and the real sunset", what I was deeply impressed was not those sculptures ^^ but the works inside, take Lee Ufan Museum for example, very simple objects like iron plate, natural stone, dim light, the space, hours... they merge together and made me feel I was there too.

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  5. とても澄んだ空気や波の音が写真から伝わってきて、見ているだけで癒されます。お父様の急逝、初孫さんのお誕生と色々気遣いのあった時期、さぞ落ち着いた気持ちにさせられる旅だったことでしょう。あまりコストをかけず日常を異空間に変える安藤氏のプロジェクトにはいつも感服します。

    ReplyDelete
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    1. 本当の所、安藤氏の建築は好きではありませんでした(それ程よく知っているわけでもないのですが)。でも今回、その建築物の中に滞在して、醸しだす不思議な非日常的な異空間を楽しむ事ができました。自然の光を取り入れる設計とスペースなので、一日の時間、季節によって作品の感じが色々変わります。また行って見たいと思っています。

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  6. 短期間に悲しみと喜びがやってきたけれど、これからは、お孫さんの成長が楽しみですね。
    草間さんの事は、ずっと前にあなたから聞いた事があったのですが、去年パリのヴィトンの本店で草間さんのトレードマークの赤や黄色の水玉のバッグや、飾りつけを見てびっくりしました。こんなに世界的な芸術家とはしらなかったの。
    ヘッダーの暮れなずむ瀬戸内海の夕焼けに春を感じます。とても雰囲気があると思います。

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    1. 海外で日本の芸術家やその作品を目にするとうれしいですよね。大阪で開かれていた作品展には結局行けなかったのですが、若い世代を中心に人気があったようですね。そういえばダイアナ妃が訪日された時の装いはあざやかな水玉模様だったのを思い出します。

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  7. I think I know how you feel about losing both parents after all. But to see the positive side, your father passed away in his favorite bathing in almost an instant as I heard from you in person. That would be equally fortunate to the very old who want to die in their sleep. The life of your parents was transmitted to your grandson via you and your daughter – the button touch of life is so moving. These photos and your writing made me sure that Naoshima must have made you catch your breath during the life’s most serious events. Now that you saw your parents off, enjoy to watch Sho-kun grow and develop his personality. Looking forward to hearing more about him and seeing what he looks like.

    Yoko

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    1. I think doing grandma is worth doing from a different perspective of parents. The opportunity you had to be with Fu-cyan must have been challenging and rewarding to see how amazing and wonderful a small angel can be. You will be busy as a sought-after grandma soon again. Good luck for you!

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  8. I'm extremely sorry to hear of the loss of your father, cosmos. I pray his soul rests in peace. Life has strange ways of working, just when it strikes us with something painful, the very next moment it brings something that helps us smile again. I'm so happy to hear about the new member of your family. I wish you lots of happy times with your daughter and the cute lil bundle of joy. :)

    The island looks fascinating with all those colorful sculptures in the open but what I enjoyed most was your journey of understanding and appreciation of arts in the end of it all. "I came to realize art works are to feel with our own association and imagination. When I found something touching at my heart in them, I was really into them." Your words teach me a lot as well. Thank you for sharing this beautiful post, cosmos. Wish you a lot of wonderful times ahead :-)

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    1. “Life has strange ways of working, just when it strikes us with something painful, the very next moment it brings something that helps us smile again” Thank you Arti, I hope that is always so true! Life is well balanced and we'll learn how life goes.
      Hope you are having wonderful days, Arti.

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  9. Cosomosさん こんにちは。
     ご両親を優しく見送られた後、与えられた輝く命。 それは決して偶然ではないと私も思います。
     さまざまな事を このような大自然の中、それは恐らく日常からかけ離れた場所でゆっくり考えられた事でしょう。 良かったですね。 (*'-'*)
     ご自分が思う以上に疲れておられる事でしょう。今はゆっくり、ゆっくりと どうぞご自愛くださいね。

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    1. Anzuさん、思いやりにあふれたやさしい言葉ありがとうございます。
      安藤忠雄建築とモダンアート・・・最初はどうかなと思ったのですが、娘が以前薦めてくれていたこともあって行ってみました。予想外にその異空間をすんなりと受け止めることができ、地中美術館やLee Ufan美術館の作品(それを作品と呼ぶのかとも思いましたが)に強く心を惹かれました。ほんとに素敵な旅になりました^^

      Delete
  10. こんばんは

    お父様、cosmosさんやご家族に見守られて旅立たれましたね。きっとみなさまのご尽力を喜ばれていることでしょう。

    本当に素敵なアートの島ですね。一度訪ねてみたいです。時折雑誌に掲載されていて、行きたいなっと思っていました。ご紹介ありがとうございます。最後の夕焼けの写真、とても色がきれいです! まるで印象派の絵画のよう!

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    1. 日曜日に行ったのですが、月曜が美術館は休館となっていて残念でした。そうでなければベネッセ・ホテルの滞在客は再入場ができるのですが。自然光をとりいれた設計なので、見る時間、季節などにより作品の表情が変わり、作品に無限の広がりを感じます。20日から瀬戸内国際芸術祭が始まるようですね。機会があれば参加してみたいですが。
      いつもコメントありがとうございます。

      Delete
  11. Losing someone we love is never easy, no matter how good prepared we are, mentally speaking. But at least we can find some comfort in knowing he or she had lived a good life, enjoying life's pleasures till the end, with dignity and complete autonomy. From what I've read, your father seemed to be such a person, so there's no wonder he passed away calm and peaceful.
    Besides, he continues to live through all he gave and taught you and your daughter during his life and by that through your new grandson too. May he grow strong and blessed and wish you happy days ahead with the two of them!!

    I'm glad in these circumstances you took the decision to go away for awhile, closer to nature and most important, closer to yourself. It seems it was exactly what you needed in order to heal and move on.
    My best of wishes, Keiko and take good care of yourself!

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    1. Thank you Roxana. Your warmhearted, thoughtful comment meant a lot to me! I feel so happy and encouraged. A job I'm doing now is to prepare nutritious, hearty meals for a new mom and do chores to help her. It’s so good to see a baby whatever expression on the face.

      Hope you enjoy the upcoming season, dear Roxana!

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  12. So very very sorry for your loss.

    As always, your shots are gorgeous.

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    1. Thank you ladyfi for your kind words.
      Your photos and magical words are always inspiring.

      Delete
  13. こんばんは。お父様を亡くされた事のですか。心より哀悼の意を表わします。 旅に出られたのは良かったですね。

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    1. ありがとうございます。急逝だったのでまだどこかにいるような気がする時もありますが、悔いのない人生だったと思います。旅は心身の疲れを癒してくれました。

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  14. I am sorry that I haven't been by lately to say hello. Many things are vying for my attention these days, and the moments I have to myself are few and far between. I'm also sorry that your father is no longer with us, but it seems you have comfort in knowing that he and your mother are together again. It's wonderful that you have a new little one in the family to care for! Congratulations, Cosmos. You must be a proud grandma.

    By the way, I recognize the work of Niki de Saint Phalla. I've seen some of it while it was on loan to the Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis. An exhibit was on display several years ago, and I posted about it on the blog. It was quite amazing.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. The baby is one month old now. He keeps his mom's hands full all day but every expression on the face makes her smile. They are leaving my house soon.

      You posted about the artwork of Niki de Saint Phalla? When I have time, I'd like to read that.
      Thank you for coming, w2w.

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  15. Hello, cosmos.

    Lovely and heartwarming your works..
    Please enjoy the color of spring.
    Sunset is very impressive. Shooting might have expressed the sentiment.
    Take care of yourself.

    Thank you for your visit.
    I thank for your usual and hearty support.
    The prayer for all peace.

    Have a good weekend. ruma

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    1. Hello, ruma.
      Sunset or sunrise is always impressive whenever and wherever it is seen from but especially with the reflection on the water is something special.
      Thank you for your visit and encouragement too.

      Delete
  16. Hi Cosmos!
    I'm so sorry to hear of you father's death but also glad to hear you are riding the wave so well.Hopefully he is now happily with his wife,in spirit.Your new grandson is a wonderful gift.

    I can see how you have been energized by this beautiful island and it's art.It looks very Mediterranean! Sorry I've taken so long to visit your blog,especially under the circumstances.
    At present I'm caring for a sick relative and finding little time for blogging and art.Next week I hope to get back to a painting I abandoned in February.
    Thanks for sharing your lovely photos......I like the yellow pumpkin!

    We have had a chilly beginning to Spring here and it may take some time for the plants to respond.

    Enjoy Spring with your grandson Cosmos,
    best wishes,
    Ruby

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    1. Ruby,
      I was thinking about you when I was strolling along the beach and trying to find something interesting.
      I picked up some beautiful shells.
      Take good care of yourself and I hope you'll have enough time to yourself soon.

      Delete
  17. º° ❤♫°
    Olá!
    Que fotos maravilhosas!!!
    Bom domingo!
    Boa semana!

    °º♡♡♫
    °º♡ Beijinhos do Brasil.
    º° ♡ ❤♫°

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm sorry for your loss Cosmos...
    Hope the smile in your grandson's face will heal your wound soon...
    Thanks for sharing beautiful photos of Naoshima...
    Take care :)

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    1. I was able to take a sense of loss into my stride thanks to a pleasure brought by a new life.
      Thank you for visiting here and your kind words, Anunoy.

      Delete
  19. ♪✿
    º° ✿✿♪

    Espero que você e sua família esteja bem!
    Bom fim de semana!
    Beijinhos do Brasil

    ¸.•°♡⊱╮╮

    ReplyDelete
  20. cosmosさん こんにちは。
    ブログデザインを変えられたのですね!
     
    可愛い Babyのお写真 お孫さんですね!
    思わず (*゚o゚*) ハッ! と声が出てしまいました。
    しっかりしたお顔で素敵。
    健やかな成長を心よりお祈り致します。 

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    1. ありがとうございます。こんなに赤ちゃんて大変だったかなと思うくらい、娘は一生懸命、辛抱強く優しく世話をしていました。私はもっと手抜きしていたと思いますが^^; もう笑ったような表情をしてそれを見ると疲れも飛びますね。ほんとに日に日に愛しさが増してきますね^^ 可愛いものですよ~  

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  21. ヘッダーの桜どこですか。素晴らしいですね。地面につきそうな重く枝垂れる桜を撮りたいと思ってたの。和束もその予定でしたが少し行くのが早すぎました。赤ちゃんの写真見ましたよ。けいこさんに似て整ったきれいなお顔!でも1か月とは思えないくらい大きいね!

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    1. ありがとう。福知山の夜久野のしだれです。昨日行ったのですが、今年の例にもれずこちらも例年より満開は10日ほど早かったようです。でも、その繊細なたくさんの枝ぶり、色合い、形・・・十分に魅了されました。
      赤ちゃんは写真によって随分印象は違いますね。抱っこされているとやはりほんとに小さくて可愛いです!

      Delete

  22. ♪♫ Boa semana!
    ღ° Beijinhos do Brasil ღ
    ¸.•°♡♡⊱彡

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  23. A fitting tribute to your dear departed father: to praise the beauty in this life.

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  24. Islands of the Seto Sea seem to have unique art museums.
    The passion of people may help them.

    Dignity of Japanese is expressed.

    I thank for your usual visit.
    ruma

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  25. こんにちわ、COSMOSさん。

    瀬戸内海の島々にはいろんな美術館や芸術作品が数多くあるようですね。
    世界的な建築家が建てた美術館もあるとのこと。

    落ち着いた、波の静かな場所で時間を忘れて滞在できたら最高です。

    ReplyDelete
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    1. いつも訪問ありがとうございます。今、瀬戸内の島々で瀬戸内国際芸術祭が開かれているようです。
      「世界的な建築家」そうです。安藤忠雄さんの事ですね。私たちが泊まったのは安藤氏の建築によるホテル兼美術館でした。異空間体験でしたがいつのまにかその世界に浸っていました。

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  26. I somehow missed seeing this post at the time, I am sorry that I did not write before and say how sorry I am for the death of your father. I am glad for him that he had a peaceful end, without a long sad lingering. And congratulations on the birth of the baby! How very much the wheel of life turns.

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  27. I also wanted to say that I appreciated your post about the island. I have been trying to find information about this island. My daughter was going to visit it during her trip to Japan but unfortunately their trip was cut short becuase of the earthquake and tsunami so different things were important at that time. But the island always sounded interesting and I could not remember its name. So I was glad to see your post at last.

    I hope you are coping okay and that life is being good to you.

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    1. Hi Jenny,
      I'm surprised that your daughter was once planning to come to this Island. Well actually my daughter is working for the company,which owns the site and has conducted and promoted art activities here, so she made an arrangement for our stay there. I hear this place is known as a best-kept secret for some celebrities from foreign countries. I think it's a very interesting place to visit.

      Delete
  28. ¸╭•⊰✿¸.

    Bom domingo!
    Feliz Dia das Mães!
    Beijinhos.♡ღ

    •*✿⊱╮ღ

    ReplyDelete
  29. Peace to your farther and happy life to the little grandson,dear Cosmos.
    The post is peaceful and beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. What a nice surprise to hear from you, tattina!
      Thank you for coming and kind words. Hope you are doing fine!

      Delete

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