ART BASE MOMOSHIMA

An art center aiming for the creative revitalization of remote islands by repurposing the former junior high school building on Momoshima, through collaborative artistic endeavors led by artist Yukinori Yanagi.

Project Background

The sparsely populated remote island Momoshima, located on Tomonoura strait known as a “harbor awaiting the tide” from ancient times, is conceptualized as a single canvas.
This is what I call “life work” nurtured by like-minded individuals, viewing life on the island and environment as an innovative artistic experiment. We believe that the distance from urban centers and the absence of conveniences like bridges and shops can foster creativity and a unique way of life. Based out of the former junior high school, we aim for the creative revitalization of surrounding vacant houses as well as the imaginative use of abandoned farmland. It’s a veritable treasure trove waiting to be unearthed, with the perspective of discovering buried treasures being the realm of artists.

Yukinori Yanagi

ART BASE MOMOSHIMA Opened in November, 2012

Located in the former junior high school, ART BASE MOMOSHIMA is a significant part of Yanagi’s “life work” on the Seto Inland Sea, which began with his encounter with Inujima in 1995.
ART BASE MOMOSHIMA serves as a hub for activities such as the permanent exhibition of site-specific large-scale artworks that are rarely seen at conventional art museums and community-related design projects for the island and the surrounding regions.

OTSU1731-GOEMON HOUSE

Opened in August, 2020

A guesthouse utilizing an abandoned house on Momoshima, where guests can experience stimulating contemporary art and enjoy soaking in the oversized Goemon-style bath inspired by the legendary hero Ishikawa Goemon. Complete in collaboration with Kogakuin University Kashihara Studio, Volunteers from Onomichi City University

KYUSHISHO

Opened in April 2021

The former town hall of Momoshima, constructed in 1954, was renovated into a guesthouse and event space. While preserving its retro wooden ambiance, renovation techniques were employed to intentionally showcase the king post truss structure of the spacious hall. It has been registered as the first Tangible Cultural Property in Momoshima.

NISSHOKAN

Opened in August 2014

About the Island of Momoshima

Momoshima is an island with a circumference of about 11.9km, located between Onomichi and Tomonoura in the Seto Inland Sea. There is no bridge connecting the island to the mainland, making the ferry the only means of transportation. After the war, its population flourished to nearly 3,000 people, primarily supported by fisheries and agriculture like citrus farming. However, as of September 2023, the population has dwindled to 378 due to aging and a downturn in local industries. Despite facing issues of vacant houses and abandoned farmland, efforts are being made to utilize the preserved natural and cultural landscapes for various developments including art, agriculture, marine sports, and vacation homes. Furthermore, Momoshima possesses numerous local resources, such as the traditional “Oyumi(arrow)” ritual originated from the descendants of Akamatsu Mitsusuke who fled to the island after losing the Kakitsu war in 1441, practicing archery in preparation for the shogunate’s pursuit. The former Momoshima town hall has been designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property.

Access

ART BASE MOMOSHIMA

1440 Momoshima, Onomichi, Hiroshima, Japan
Zip:7220061
Tel:+81+848-73-5105