Heartbeat Archive — Attraction in Tonosho

This installation had an interesting concept but the execution felt oddly clinical rather than artistic. You stand in a small, dark room listening to strangers’ heartbeats through speakers while watching a light bulb flicker in rhythm. The whole experience reminded me more of being at a cardiologist’s office than an art gallery - and if you have to visit a cardiologist, things usually aren’t going well for you! 😅 I get that Boltanski was going for something profound about human connection and the essence of life, but it just didn’t land for me. The heartbeat audio was loud monotonous, sometimes irregular (clinically bad) than moving, and watching a synchronized light bulb felt gimmicky rather than meaningful. The optional recording booth where you can add your own heartbeat to the archive didn’t help shake the medical clinic vibe. After experiencing the breathtaking Teshima Art Museum and other incredible installations on the island, this one flatlined by comparison. It’s not that it was expensive or took too long - it just wasn’t worth the effort of getting there. The concept sounds better on paper than it feels in person. Art is subjective of course, but this felt more like a clinical exam than an emotionally resonant experience. If you’re island-hopping and have limited time, I’d suggest focusing on the other amazing installations Teshima...

On a Monday, when the Benesse Museums on Naoshima are closed, catch the 9:20 ferry from Miyanoura to Teshima. Rent an electric bike at the harbor after the boat docks. There are several vendors to choose from. Then ride to the Teshima Art Museum. One building houses one work of art. The building is the art work. After observing the oozing get back on your bike and continue east. You’ll pass through a fishing village. Stop and watch the fishermen repairing miles of netting just east of the ferry stop. Then go on to Les Archives du Coeur. It’s small, odd, located on a beautiful beach, and if you choose to you can become part of the exhibit. Pay about $20, record your heartbeat, and mesmerize folks from around the world with your rhythm. Then get back to the main port. Return your bike and catch the boat at around 12:30...

9 years ago I had one of the most profound art experiences of my life listening to my heartbeat that had been recorded years before in the exhibition room at Les Archives de Coeur. It was like unexpectedly meeting a younger version of myself, and it was an experience that moved me beyond words.

Sadly, they have changed the system so you just listen to a randomized heartbeat in the installation, which makes it a completely different experience and artwork. You can still listen to your heartbeat on headphones at a computer, but it’s not the same experience.

Please bring back the ability to look up and exhibit your...