No destination offers a more enthralling sense of surrealism than the small group of islands scattered throughout the Seto Inland Sea of Japan. Home to the Setouchi Triennale, the 12 art-filled islands are revitalised every three years to coincide with the contemporary art festival.

The average age of the small community that resides on the island is 78, a symbolic contrast to the artworks, which are re-born every three years.

Images via Setouchi Artfest

The affectionately named ‘art islands’ offer a long list of treasures, some of which were the setting for Dreamscape Wanderer. Shot on Shodoshima and Naoshima, our collection was captured alongside four artworks, each with their own unique aesthetic and significance.

DREAM OF OLIVE

Transforming the tranquil landscape which it surrounds, this massive dome was constructed from over 5000 pieces of locally-grown bamboo.

"Dream Of Olive" Artist Wang Wen Chih.

THE FUKITA PAVILION

Placed in the grounds of the Fukita temple this artwork consists of 2 sheets of metal, which seem to miraculously float alongside one another. The man-made structure could seem out of place amongst the serene surroundings, yet it feels at one with nature.

"Fukita Pavilion" Artist Ryue Nishizawa.

KANNON

This simple roadside installation has been created at the base of The Shodoshima Great Kannon – the Buddhist goddess of mercy.

FERRY WAITING TERMINAL

To travel across the islands one must take a local ferry, and the residents of Naoshima commissioned this dreamy waiting terminal, which is now a permanent fixture on the island.

For more information visit http://setouchi-artfest.jp/en/