By James Turrell and Tadao Ando

Exhibit in Naoshima, Japan.

An Art piece by James Turrel and Tadao ando that plays with the viewer's perception of light and space. Inside this building called Minamidera is the artwork 'Backside of the Moon' (1999) by James Turrell. Enter into darkness and see the light slowly appear. Minamidera is an art house located in the hamlet of Honmura on Naoshima Island in the Sea of Japan. Honmura is distinguished by its blackened houses, both old and new.

Inspired The Ateljè Space

The art of transforming the energy of a space using decorative objects. A Japanese approach to creation based on a deep reverence for nature.

Crafting items for contemporary living, offering the world a refined and enlighting way of life.

Set over three wooden wings, welcomed by a pont sculpted from a rough dark black kanmuri stone in a room off the entrance hall sits a seventies building that formerly housed a Belgian endive farm. A building with an identity of its own, essential to interweave with everchanging nature as its surrounding landscape.

Now it houses a light-drenched, monochromatic atrium-like central space, displaying three wings. The building contains a gallery to feed mind and senses and a storefront boutique to feed the everyday surroundings. A place where solemnity meets warmth redefining experiences for the everyday living with Japanese wisdom and practices as a starting point, but reinterpret to be embraced for a contemporary life.

The ground floor displays a hushed dim space, with a void as a central skylight whose effect is heightened by the red cirkle on the otherwise raw flooring dalles de Bourgogne. A limestone carved from Burgundy, France.

A vital component of the space are the materials used in construction. Very raw and pure, natural materials since the use reverberates with the people in the room. Playing with shadows and materials, even housing a dark architectural cork room.

Our subconscious is sensitive to the contrasts between shadow and light while we move through a room, as well as the subtle textures and finishes of different materials of the floors and walls.

"A well-lit room will look even more bright if you have come in from the dark. These opposites are created to appreciate the surroundings, like they do in Japanese and Chinese shrines."

The adjacent boutique has its own roaster and oak vitrine. Materials being brought to attention to finish the hedonistic space like copper-topped black stone - a nod to Kyoto made tea caddies handed down from one generation to the next, in Japanese families.

A space in tune with nature. Showing the time that was spent building it up. Entering must be like feeling settled and enlived simultaneously. The space is to be experienced, embedded in the subconscious.

Nothing but nature surrounds thee black elongated wings of wood. Following the Japanese and Chinese gardening principe Shakkei 借景 or borrowed scenery in English. It means a use of surrounding in the creation of a space. The way on invorportating eternal background landscapes into the foreground of our wooden volumes. It blurres the boundaries between the indoor and outdoor space.

Plum trees and a central courtyard have been interweaved into the exterior volumes. Paired with a three rail window to provide a constant stram of natural light into the interior.

"Everything in a space comes down on the smallest parts. Chasing flawlessness every day, getting lost in the details of raw flooring and ceilings. A refined space in chaos."

Everything involves creativity. When the winter is over, the plum tree in front of the building, will be the first among all tress in spring to be in full bloom. Even weeks before the apple and pear trees, located in the back of the garden. Transient nature, fading seasons, the blooming and ageing.

It holds a symbol of beginning and awakening. A strong point of contrast of white flowers with the black hue of the wooden space.

Where only vinyl records are played while strolling around the works and crafts. No loud music, just sounds of tickeling water, clincking glasses and parchment paper being wrapped around any number of treasures.

On the west wing the works of artistry are highlighted. A place where crafts embrace traditions with a modern approach. A sitting here is designed to feed all senses. Fragrances to feel in harmony, Tea to nourish the body and a place to wonder around the crafts, artwork and craftmanship of furniture design.  

All collections are sourced with intent and served with purpose. Working with artisans that shares the love of connecting nature and people.

Located on the west wing additionally, is a place dedicated to The Ateljè's handsketched garments and accessories. As a continuation of their first collection, Isle d'art, named after the Japanese art island, Naoshima. The garments stand out for their unique blend of tradition and modernity, attention to detail, and cultural significance. From the intricate designs of traditional wear to the intruiging statements of modern garments, Asian collections reflects the country's rich history and innovative spirit.

Besides the storefront, sessions can be booked in South wing, to create personal experiences for individuals and groups to experience the atmosphere themselves like tea, matcha and meditation ceremonie. Using traditional tools, custom incense and teas are created and presented to experience.

An homage to the most enduring Japanese crafts and artisanry and more broadly, to the idea of the Japanese way of living, called Youshiki 様式.

The art of being is behind everything we create. From the craftware we use in everday life tensils to the incense and flowers that accompany the spaces.

The aesthetic beauty lies diep down in the materials and textures of nature. A human coexists with nature. since nature is a manifestation of the devine.

Breathing authenticity by utilizing natural materials such as stone, wood and concrete.

Japanese artistry and craftmanship inspired the first collection 'Isle D'art', named after Japanese art island Naoshima. Japan is a country of artisans, of crafts and techniques of ceramics and lacquerware. Of raw linen and harsh wood.

Japan, being an island, has taken in what Asia has to offer. The best of it, they saved, stored and archived neatly. A stockyard of ideas, wisdom and culture.

Learning to create from tradition, creating for the contemporary. There is a profound bond that connects us to Eastern Asia. It involves our values, art of living, approach to craftmanship and connections with talented artisans.