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ART Island

Naoshima, Japan

Art is the truest sign of human civilization. It remains, it heals, and it brings life to what once was deserted.

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Naoshima... the mere mention of its name fills me with a sense of profound connection and indescribable emotion. As I ventured into this art island paradise, I embarked on a journey that transcended mere exploration—it was a homecoming, a rediscovery of my Japanese heritage through the lens of art.

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My stay at Benesse House was not just accommodation; it was an immersion into the soul of Naoshima. Surrounded by its contemporary architecture, I felt enveloped by the island's creative energy, each moment a reminder of the transformative power of art.

With every step I took through Naoshima's winding streets, I felt the echoes of generations past, the whispers of ancestors guiding me on my journey. This island, once a deserted town, now stood as a beacon of artistic inspiration, a reflection of the resilience and ingenuity of the Japanese spirit.

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As I delved deeper into Naoshima's artististry, I found myself unraveling layers of my own identity, rediscovering facets of my Japanese heritage that had long lain dormant within me. Amongst unconventional installations and avant-garde creations, I unearthed a sense of belonging—a recognition of the intrinsic connection between art and culture, between past and present.

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Each hidden gem I discovered held within it a piece of my own story, a fragment of memory and emotion waiting to be unearthed. In Naoshima's embrace, I found solace for the soul, a sanctuary where the complexities of life melted away, leaving behind only the pure essence of being.

Immersed in the art and culture of Naoshima, I found myself navigating the depths of my own emotions, seeking meaning in every step. Through the eyes of an artist, I found truth and purity, a reflection of the beauty that resides within us all.

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As I stood amidst the ethereal beauty of the Chichu Art Museum, the magnitude of Naoshima's transformation washed over me. Here, amidst the creations of Tadao Ando and the masterpieces of Claude Monet and Yayoi Kusama, I felt a profound sense of gratitude—for the opportunity to reconnect with my heritage, for the gift of art in all its forms.

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Naoshima... a place where heritage and contemporary creativity converge, where the past is intertwined with the present in a delicate dance of existence. In its embrace, I found not just an art island, but a home—a place where my Japanese heritage was celebrated, cherished, and revered.

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Copyright © Lisa Ono 2024

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