Naoshima Notes: Collaboration Is Part of Creativity

Fish and Bread by Jennifer Bartlett at the Benesse House Museum

Introduction

One of the core principles of creative thinking is simple but powerful: build on the ideas of others.

Creative thinking thrives in collaborative spaces — whether you’re shaping an artwork, designing a product, or solving a problem. When the people impacted by or invested in a project come together at the right moments to share insights, spark ideas, and co-create solutions, the results can be extraordinary.

Big, game-changing ideas rarely spring from a single mind in isolation. As University of Wisconsin professor Gary Davis put it, “Civilization is a history of creative ideas that have been piled on top of each other, hooked together, and modified and combined into ever new creations.”

Yet many artists and businesses work solo, believing that’s the best way to stay true to their vision. While collaboration can involve compromise, negotiation, and adjustment, it can also unlock possibilities and elevate a project in ways one person alone could never have imagined. Done right, collaboration doesn’t dilute a vision — it amplifies it.

Collaboration in Action on Naoshima Island

Japan’s Naoshima Island offers some stunning examples of collaborative power. Here, artists work with the architect, Tadao Ando, hand in hand to create experiences where art and space are fully intertwined.

Take the Chichu Art Museum. Architect Tadao Ando collaborated closely with artists James Turrell and Walter De Maria to design spaces that showcase each artist’s work exactly as they envisioned — especially in terms of light, a critical element in both their practices.

Or look at the Benesse House Museum, another Ando-designed museum on Naoshima. Here, artists were invited to choose their specific spaces and create permanent, site-specific installations. Some expanded their work onto the floors, walls, and even the outdoor areas, blending art with architecture in seamless, immersive ways.

What’s striking about these collaborations is that as viewers, we don’t perceive any creative tug-of-war. There’s no sense of artistic compromise or watered-down vision. Instead, we experience a fully integrated encounter — where the artist’s and the architect’s visions come together as one.

Why Creative Thinking Principles Matter in Collaboration

Strong collaboration doesn’t just happen by chance. Creative thinking principles make collaboration more productive and meaningful.

Principles like build on the ideas of others, defer judgment, and apply affirmative judgment create an open, trusting atmosphere where everyone feels empowered to contribute. Sure, collaboration has its bumps — but remembering to stay focused and check your objectives can help teams navigate difficult conversations and decisions.

Whether you are part of an organization or working on your own art, giving others a voice and inviting their input can strengthen your vision and take your work places you’d never reach on your own.

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What’s Your Take?

Have you experienced a moment where collaboration took your work beyond what you envisioned? Share your story in the comments below or connect with us on LinkedIn — we’d love to hear from you!