Naoshima Notes: Lessons on Creative Thinking

Entrance to Chichu Art Museum on Naoshima

Introduction

I recently visited Naoshima—also known as “Art Island”—in Japan. The island is home to several world-class museums, dozens of outdoor art installations, and numerous traditional Japanese dwellings that have been reimagined to house individual artworks. It’s a unique place where the natural beauty of the island is seamlessly integrated with man-made architecture and artistic expression. As I explored the museums, art homes, and outdoor installations, I began to reflect on the implications of Naoshima for creativity—both in organizations and in individual practice.

Focus and Perspective at the Chichu Art Museum

What struck me most was the power of focus and perspective, and how the artist’s, architect’s, and curator’s intentions shaped my experience as a viewer. The Chichu Art Museum is dedicated to the work of only three artists—Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria—and was designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando. Ando collaborated closely with Turrell and De Maria to ensure that natural light would illuminate their works in dynamic ways, changing subtly with the time of day and season.

In the gallery featuring Monet’s paintings, natural light filters in to create a similarly evolving experience. The museum itself responds to changing light—its shadows and lights shifting throughout the day—making the building an artwork in its own right. In fact, the museum has been described as a site-specific art piece, created to engage with natural light and the surrounding landscape.

This singular clarity of focus allowed me to fully engage with the art, architecture, and environment—without distractions and without the pressure to rush. As a result, I absorbed each experience deeply and gained a new perspective that I felt physically, emotionally, and visually. I had never experienced art with such intensity and depth before. I could feel my perspective shift.

 

Creative Thinking Principles: “Stay Focused” and “Check Your Objectives”

So what does this have to do with creativity in organizations—or in your own life?

Two key principles of creative thinking are “stay focused” and “check your objectives.” Staying focused means committing to the task at hand and giving it the attention and energy needed to develop the best alternatives. One of the hardest parts of the creative process is refining or even discarding an idea you are emotionally attached to. Focus helps make that possible.

Likewise, making decisions without a clear understanding of your objectives is like guessing. Organizations shouldn’t leave their direction to chance. Instead, they should systematically test their options against clearly defined goals and desired outcomes.

Strategic Budgets Support Focus, Understanding Your Objectives, and Flexibility

My visit to Naoshima reminded me of how powerful focus can be. In organizations, it's easy to chase too many ideas or initiatives at once. But that often leads to diluted efforts and missed goals. A strategic plan—supported by a strategic budget—is essential. It helps organizations maintain focus and ensures resources are directed toward key priorities.

At the same time, as the Chichu Art Museum illustrates, focus doesn’t mean rigidity. Just as the artwork changes with the light and seasons, an organization’s budget should be flexible enough to adapt to evolving needs. A well-designed budget not only supports current priorities, but also leaves room to pivot when new challenges or opportunities arise.

Finally, another powerful lesson from the Chichu Art Museum is how focused design can lead to unexpected shifts in perception. What I first thought was a painting at the top of a set of stairs turned out to be a room. What looked like a simple opening to the sky became a transformative experience at night as lighting changed and the sky itself became part of the artwork.

For organizations, the ability to stay focused on core priorities while remaining adaptable can likewise open doors to new insights and innovations. A strategic budget becomes not just a planning tool, but a way to foster and support new perspectives—within the boundaries of resources, purpose, and vision.

Stay Connected

Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter, The Creativity Bridge Builder, for exclusive insights and tools delivered straight to your inbox.  Subscribe here.

What’s Your Take? 

What’s the biggest challenge you face in staying focused on your priorities? Share your thoughts in the comment section below or connect with us on LinkedIn.