Discover “Kadoya” – An Immersive Art Space Created by Water and Light
As part of Naoshima’s House Project, “Kadoya” is a transformed traditional house that has become an interactive art space where contemporary art and architecture converge.
The project is especially known for its use of water and light to create immersive art experiences, offering visitors a visual and physical sense of immersion.
Reinventing the Building and Transforming it into Contemporary Art
Kadoya is a 200-year-old wooden structure that has been repurposed to incorporate elements of modern art while retaining its historical value.
The exterior of the building maintains the traditional Japanese house aesthetic, while the interior has been completely reimagined to offer a unique artistic experience.
The core element of this project is the presence of water.
Within the space, there are areas with water on the floor, and the light reflected off the water creates a shimmering effect, producing a unique visual experience.
The water surface is not just decorative, but it transforms the space, engaging visitors’ senses and becoming an integral part of the artwork.
“The Water Room” – A Dialogue with the Changing Space
One of Kadoya’s key installations, the “Water Room”, features a thin layer of water on the floor with light projected onto it, creating an atmosphere as if water and light are interacting with one another.
This piece has the following characteristics:
- The light reflected on the water’s surface changes over time, creating a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere.
- Visitors’ movements cause slight ripples on the water’s surface, giving the sensation that the space is alive and ever-changing.
- The space invites you to feel the presence of water in the silence, affecting not just the visual experience, but also the auditory and tactile senses.
Entering this room sharpens one’s awareness of the movement of the water, the shifting light, and one’s own presence, providing a sense of stepping into a different dimension of experience.
“Time” and “Change” in Kadoya
The artwork in Kadoya is characterized by its ability to change over time, which makes it an evolving experience.
- The way light enters and its angles shift how the space appears.
- The movement of the water and the reflections fluctuate, offering a different appearance with each visit.
- Visitors’ own movements influence the space, altering how they experience it.
These aspects ensure that Kadoya is not just a place for viewing art but a space where the experience of art is felt and lived.
Position Within the House Project
Naoshima’s House Project is known for transforming old buildings into art spaces that reinterpret history through modern art, and Kadoya stands out as an especially immersive experience.
While projects like the Go’o Shrine and the Gokaisho focus on spiritual and contemplative spaces, Kadoya emphasizes dynamic, sensory engagement through the use of water and light, directly impacting the senses of its visitors.
Conclusion – The Immersive Experience of “Kadoya”
House Project “Kadoya” is a work that merges traditional architecture with contemporary art, offering a new spatial experience shaped by the interplay of water and light.
- It challenges our concepts of time and space by transforming the space through changes in water and light.
- Every visit offers a different experience, as the water’s reflections and movement change.
- It is a participatory, immersive art installation that requires visitors to become part of the artwork.
Kadoya is one of the most profound works in the Naoshima art project, particularly emphasizing the transformation of space and the expansion of visitors’ sensory perceptions. It offers a new perspective and a deep impression, making it a unique experience for all who encounter it.
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.