Hiroshi Sugimoto’s Perspective on Time and the Island of Naoshima
— Exploring Go’o Shrine and Time Corridors
Naoshima, known as an island of contemporary art, hosts two spaces created by photographer and contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto.
These are the Go’o Shrine, part of the House Project, and the exhibition space called Time Corridors located within Benesse House.
Both spaces express themes Sugimoto has long explored: time and existence.
About Hiroshi Sugimoto
Source:Hiroshi Sugimoto Neue Nationalgalerie 0708 Berlin Video: www.art-in-tv.de/videoplaytv.php?id=1383
Hiroshi Sugimoto was born in Tokyo in 1948. He moved to the United States in 1970, studied photography at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, and later relocated to New York. He began exhibiting his work in the late 1970s.
His notable series include Dioramas, featuring museum exhibits photographed in a way that captures artificiality; Theaters, long-exposure photographs of old movie theaters; and Seascapes, which depict seas around the world with identical framing. Throughout his work, Sugimoto consistently explores the accumulation of time and the relationship between perception and memory.
In 2008, he co-founded the New Material Research Institute with architect Noriyuki Sakakita, blending traditional materials and techniques with contemporary architectural design. In Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, he also established the Enoura Observatory, a complex cultural facility that combines art, architecture, and performing arts.
Go’o Shrine in the House Project
Sugimoto’s first project on Naoshima was the reconstruction of Go’o Shrine in Honmura district.
Originally a site of worship dating back to the Edo period, it was revitalized in 2002 with a modern design as part of the House Project.
Sugimoto created a subterranean stone chamber connected by a glass staircase to the transparent glass main hall above ground. The hall harmonizes quietly with the surrounding natural light and scenery.
Rather than making a strong visual impact, the design invites visitors to experience quietude and the flow of time, embodying the core of Sugimoto’s spatial expression.
Time Corridors at Benesse House
In 2022, Sugimoto unveiled a new exhibition space called Time Corridors on Naoshima.
This work is located within Benesse House and features selections from his Seascapes and Architecture series.
The architectural space itself was designed meticulously by Sugimoto, including floor materials, wall surfaces, and the way light is brought in.
True to its name, Time Corridors offers an experience focused less on viewing artworks and more on walking quietly and contemplating the passage of time.
Conclusion
Starting from photography, Hiroshi Sugimoto has expanded his creative activities into architecture, stage design, and art spaces. At the core of his expression lies an ongoing investigation of time.
The Go’o Shrine and Time Corridors on Naoshima embody this philosophy, offering visitors a place to experience the depth of “seeing” accompanied by silence.
Sugimoto’s imprint on Naoshima is more than visual—it is a lived experience blending art, architecture, landscape, and spirit.
About Our Tour called “Finding Naoshima Tour”
We also offer guided tours of Naoshima called “Finding Naoshima Tour”, a private tour service led by locals born and raised on Naoshima.
With deep roots in the island, we share Naoshima’s unique history, rich culture, and breathtaking scenery from a local perspective.
Whether it’s hidden photo spots, stories behind the artworks, or the charm of island life, we guide you through it all.
Each tour is fully private, allowing for a personalized and relaxed experience at your own pace.
Let us show you the real Naoshima—beyond the museums and into its heart.