The 2010 Setouchi Triennale: A Grand Art Adventure Across Seven Islands

Situated between the southern part of Japan’s Honshu Island and Shikoku, the Seto Inland Sea holds incredibly precious natural resources. In addition to the abundant fishing yields brought forth by converging tides, the scattered islands on the sea are also graced with fresh green pine scenery, which has earned this sea the beautiful title of the “Pearl of the Orient.” This year, through the “Setouchi Triennale” event, travelers from both Japan and abroad will be able to immerse themselves in the artistic beauty that spans across these islands.

The “2010 Setouchi Triennale” is the world’s first large-scale art extravaganza set against the backdrop of islands. The planning for this event spanned three years, aiming to inject vitality into the islands of the Seto Inland Sea through this art festival. Additionally, it seeks rebirth through the interplay of beautiful nature and humanity, as well as the integration of environmental conservation and art. This grand artistic gathering showcases the charm of the Seto Inland Sea to the world through the intersection of “folklore, performing arts, festivals, and local chronicles” as diachronic elements, and “contemporary art, architecture, and theater” as synchronic elements.

This summer, from Japan’s national holiday on July 19th to October 31st—a total of 100 days—the ocean festival filled with the sounds of waves and the scent of tides will accompany people from all over to enjoy a wonderful summer. The event venues include seven islands—Naoshima, Ogijima, Megijima, Inujima, Oshima, Shodoshima, and Teshima—as well as Takamatsu, known as the gateway to Shikoku, making a total of eight areas. The theme is “An Artistic and Coastal Hundred-Day Adventure.” Each island in the Inland Sea retains its unique culture, traditional customs, and beautiful scenery. The works of various artists and art communities will surely amaze visitors.

The Benesse House Museum on Naoshima is the first artistic highlight of the Seto Inland Sea. This small island, spanning 7.81 square kilometers with a population of about 3,400, has been transformed into a modern art destination through a 20-year artistic endeavor by the Fukutake Foundation. Not only did it commission Tadao Ando to create the unique Benesse Art Site Naoshima with his concept of architecture coexisting with the environment, but in 2004, it also built the Chichu Art Museum, which incorporates the surrounding landscape to the greatest extent possible while minimizing disruption to the original terrain. This time, both domestic and international artists were invited to create on-site at Naoshima, transforming art into a large-scale collective creation that blends architects, artists, island residents, and the natural landscape, featuring a distinctive local style that is truly thought-provoking.

Other islands and the Takamatsu area will also replicate Naoshima’s series of strongly experimental art construction projects, inviting 68 renowned groups of architects, artists, and academic institutions from around the world and Japan to participate in the creative process. Taiwan’s modern installation artist Wang Wen-Chih is among the invited participants. Artists from around the globe will engage in various “Art House Projects” and public art on each island, challenging people’s perceptions of art through bold and innovative forms, while also helping the residents of these remote islands regain their long-lost confidence and hope.

Event Period: July 19 – October 31
Event Website: setouchi-artfest.jp
Event Venues: Naoshima, Teshima, Megijima, Ogijima, Shodoshima, Oshima, Inujima, and the areas around Takamatsu Port
Transportation: It is recommended to enter via Kansai International Airport in Osaka. From the airport, you can take a JR train or airport bus to Takamatsu City in Kagawa Prefecture, Shikoku. The JR train takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes; the airport bus takes about 3 hours and 35 minutes. From Takamatsu Port, regular ferries operated by Shikoku Ferry can take you to Naoshima, Teshima, Megijima, Ogijima, Shodoshima, and Oshima. Additionally, there are boat services between Shodoshima–Teshima and Megijima–Ogijima. Ferries from Naoshima to Inujima are by reservation only.

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