The Garden of Fine Arts is seen as an oasis of European ‘taste’ amidst the chaos of Japan’s ancient capital city. The ‘garden’ exploits light, water and the contemporary materials of glass and concrete to evoke the serenity of traditional Japanese architecture. Choice European artworks are transferred to ceramic panels (the most memorable being Monet’s “Waterlillies” brought to life underwater) with two intertwined ramps descending below street level, creating a series of chance encounters between art and the visitor. The gallery can be read as an interpretation of the traditional Japanese stroll garden, where an unfolding journey gradually reveals objects from mythical scenes often in unexpected ways.
