The Inujima Art House Project is an art initiative located on Inujima in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea. It was conceived and directed by Hasegawa Yuko and renowned Japanese architect Sejima Kazuyo, co-founder of the architectural firm SANAA.
The project aims to revitalize the island by repurposing abandoned houses and structures into contemporary art installations. Inujima, once known for its copper mining industry, faced economic decline, and the Art House Project sought to bring new life to the island while preserving its historical heritage.
Sejima Kazuyo and Hasegawa Yuko collaborated with various artists and architects to transform these vacant structures into unique art spaces. Each art house offers a distinct artistic experience, blurring the boundaries between art, architecture, and the natural surroundings. The project successfully combines contemporary art with the island’s historical context, creating a dialogue between past and present.
Visitors to the Inujima Art House Project can explore these art houses, experiencing diverse artistic expressions, spatial interventions, and site-specific installations. The project serves as a catalyst for art tourism, drawing visitors to the island and fostering an appreciation for contemporary art and architecture.
The Inujima Art House Project not only contributes to the island’s revitalization but also shows the potential for art and architecture to transform communities and enrich cultural landscapes. The project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and the integration of art with the environment, demonstrated through the vivid photography and illustrations presented in this book.
Sejima Kazuyo was born in Ibaraki Prefecture in central Japan. Graduating with a master’s degree in Architecture from Japan Women’s University in 1981, she set up her own practice in 1987 with the name Kazuyo Sejima & Associates. Sejima’s work soon earned national recognition, gaining her the award of Young Architect of the Year from the Japanese Institute of Architects in 1992. In 1995 together with Nishizawa Ryūe, she founded SANAA. In 2010 Sejima was appointed director of the 12th International Architecture Exhibition of Venice Biennale. Her honours include the Japan Architecture Award, Venice Biennale Golden Lion Award, Rolf Schock Prize, Pritzker Architecture Prize, Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Letters, and Medal with Purple Ribbon. She is currently a professor at the Polytechnic University of Milan, and teaches at Japan Women’s University and Osaka University of Arts as a visiting professor. SANAA’s main works include the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, the Rolex Learning Center (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne), and the Louvre-Lens.
